Asthma affects women more, especially during menstruation

A recent SEPAR study highlights that asthma does not affect men and women equally. In fact, after the age of 20, women are up to 70% more likely to develop asthma. They tend to experience more severe symptoms, need more medication and have a lower quality of life.

Part of this imbalance can be explained by the hormonal fluctuations that occur during the menstrual cycle. About 20-40% of women with asthma experience a worsening of symptoms before and during menstruation, a phenomenon known as perimenstrual asthma.

This hormonal pattern not only increases bronchial inflammation, but also multiplies emergency room visits and hospitalisations. In Spain, 67% of asthma-related deaths occur in women, underlining the urgent need to incorporate a gender perspective in asthma care. 

To help prevent or manage these situations, health professionals recommend tracking menstrual cycle variations along with respiratory symptoms. If the symptoms worsen, it is recommended to consult a doctor in order to adjust the treatment, if necessary, and to create a personalised action plan. 

Severe asthma, still largely unknown 

The same study also reveals that although 98% of respondents recognise asthma as a disease, nearly 60% of the population are completely unaware of severe asthma—even though it affects 1 in 10 people with asthma.  

This lack of knowledge is a major obstacle for its proper diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms such as wheezing (58.4%), chest tightness (46.6%), persistent cough (33%) and sleeping difficulties (26.9%) are under-recognised, according to the study. 

The situation is aggravated by the general lack of knowledge about available treatments. While inhalers are well known, biological therapies, immunotherapy or environmental control are not yet part of the collective imagination.  

"Lack of information hinders early access to advanced and potentially life-changing treatments such as monoclonal antibodies, a group of biologics, which have been developed in recent years," explains Dr Arismendi, pneumologist at the Clínic.   

Delaying the start of these effective treatments can worsen the clinical situation and allow the disease to progress. It can also increase the side effects of the medication typically used for the treatment of asthma attacks, that’s why it’s crucial to strengthen awareness campaigns, so people recognize the signs of severe asthma and know about all the treatment options available. 

Asthma is not only a lung condition; it is also a matter of gender, information and health equity. Understanding how it affects different population groups and acting accordingly, is the first step towards a more accessible and effective healthcare system. 

INFORMATION DOCUMENTED BY:  

Dr Ebymar Arismendi, pulmonologist. Hospital Clínic Barcelona.