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Asthma: men and women, the same disease?
5 mai 2026
By Ana Espino | Published on May 5, 2026 | 4 min read
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by bronchial hyperresponsiveness, excessive mucus production, and variable inflammation. It is not a single condition, but rather a group of phenotypes based on different immunological mechanisms.
A major feature of asthma is the existence of marked sex differences that evolve over the course of life. Asthma is more common in boys during childhood, then becomes more prevalent and often more severe in women in adulthood. These variations suggest a key role for sex hormones, as well as genetic and immunological factors.
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by bronchial hyperresponsiveness, excessive mucus production, and variable inflammation. It is not a single condition, but rather a group of phenotypes based on different immunological mechanisms.
A major feature of asthma is the existence of marked sex differences that evolve over the course of life. Asthma is more common in boys during childhood, then becomes more prevalent and often more severe in women in adulthood. These variations suggest a key role for sex hormones, as well as genetic and immunological factors.
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Scientific reference
McKernan KE, et al. Sex Differences in Asthma Pathogenesis. Immunol Rev. 2026 Jan;337(1):e70100. doi: 10.1111/imr.70100. PMID: 41508394; PMCID: PMC12783869.
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