New research finds genetic causes for asthma

Scientists have pinpointed several genetic variations which they believe could be responsible for making a person more likely to develop asthma.

Undertaken by the Gabriel consortium, which is composed of more than 150 scientists working in 19 different countries around the world, the study involved the close analysis of the DNA of around 26,000 subjects, including those with asthma and non-asthmatics of all ages.

The team identified seven separate locations on the genome where differences in the genetic code were found to be present in subjects with the condition, suggesting that genetic factors, rather than environmental factors, are the leading reason why some people have asthma and others do not.

Commenting on the significance of the work, Professor Miriam Moffatt of Imperial College London, said: "As a result of genetic studies we now know that allergies may develop as a result of defects of the lining of the airways in asthma."

As such, therapies that concentrate solely on tackling allergies would be unlikely to get to the root cause of the disease and treat the condition effectively, she added.

According to Asthma UK, some 5.4 million people in the UK alone are currently receiving treatment for the condition, including 1.1 million children.