Know The Reasons Why Women Are More Vulnerable To Asthma Than Men!

Increasing level of pollution across all the major cities has led to an increase in the number of patients with breathing difficulty with major being asthma. People having low immunity level are among the worst affected.

However, a new study has come up with some startling fact. As per the study women are more likely to suffer from asthma than men because of the absence of testosterone, the male sex hormone which prevents lungs from inhaling harmful pollen, dust or other airborne allergens.

According to the study, it was found that testosterone acts on immune cells that act as first line of defenders of the body against invading viruses.These immune cells are linked to asthma symptoms, such as inflammation and mucus production in the lungs, which causes airways to narrow during an asthma attack.

"Initially we thought that ovarian hormones would increase inflammation, more so than testosterone making it better. I was surprised to see that testosterone was more important in reducing inflammation" said, Dawn Newcomb, from the Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, the US.

For the study, the team focused on lung cells called Group 2 innate lymphoid cells, or ILC2 cells which make cytokines, proteins that cause inflammation and mucus production in the lungs, making it harder to breathe.

Blood samples were collected by researchers from people with and without asthma and found that those with asthma had more ILC2 cells than those without. Asthmatic women were found with more ILC2 cells than men.

In addition, when the researchers added testosterone, to the ILC2 cells, they found that the male hormone prevented the cells from expanding and reduced the production of cytokines.

The study was recently published in the journal Cell Reports.

Meanwhile, listed here are a few of the best known home remedies to tackle asthma. Take a look.

1. Ginger:

Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger helps in reducing the airway inflammation and inhibit airway contraction.

Take a small piece of ginger, peel it and then cut it into small pieces. Add the ginger to a pot of boiling water. Allow it to steep for few minutes, strain the water and drink. Do this 1-2 times a day, it helps in reducing the symptoms of asthma.

2. Garlic:

If you are suffering from asthma and you are just in the first stage then garlic is one of the best natural remedy. Garlic is known for its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.

All that you need to do is, take about 2-3 garlic cloves, add it in a cup of milk and boil the milk. Allow it to cool for sometime and then drink it.

3. Honey:

Honey is one of the best natural ingredients which is used in treating a lot of infections. Honey contains alcohol and ethereal oils which help to reduce asthma symptoms.

Take one teaspoon of honey, add it to a glass of hot water, mix it and drink it slowly about three times a day for best results.

4. Onion:

Onion is one ingredient that is found commonly in every one's kitchen. Onions are known to have rich anti-inflammatory properties that helps in reducing constriction of the airways when suffering from asthma.

In addition to this, the sulfur content in onions help decrease inflammation in the lungs and provides quick relief from asthma symptoms.

(With Agency Inputs)