Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Türker Karabuğa stated that obesity increases the risk of developing asthma and said, “Fighting obesity should definitely be included in the treatment of asthmatic patients.”
Stating that a rapid increase in the incidence of obesity and obesity-related diseases has been observed in recent years, especially due to changes in eating habits and sedentary lifestyle, Op. Dr. Türker Karabuğa said, “At the same time, according to World Health Organization data, asthma affects approximately 300 million people in the world, especially in asthma accompanied by obesity, the disease is more serious, it is difficult to respond to treatment and the frequency of hospitalization due to asthma attack has increased. Gastroesophageal reflux, sleep apnea, Type 2 diabetes and hypertension, which can be seen in obesity, exacerbate asthma.”
Stating that gastroesophageal reflux or snoring was detected in asthmatics with a body mass index (BMI) over 30 according to the results of an epidemiological study in which a large population of 16 thousand people ranging from 20 to 44 in the age range where obesity is most common, Op. Dr. Türker Karabuğa said, “Obesity increases the risk of developing asthma and makes it difficult to control asthma. There are increasing studies that obesity is a determinant for the development of asthma, especially in late-onset asthma. Considering the presence of comorbidities, combating obesity, which is an increasing and important public health problem all over the world, should be included in the treatment of patients with asthma. Studies on the mechanisms supporting the relationship between obesity and asthma are important in terms of offering new treatment options in asthmatics with obesity.”
Noting that bariatric surgery is an effective method in the treatment of asthma as in other obesity-related health problems, Op. Dr. Türker Karabuğa said, “Especially in obese patients who are in the morbid obesity group or who have excess fat around the waist, bariatric surgery can be an effective solution to prevent asthma attacks.”
