Some people may have an increased likelihood of developing a lung disease because of the genes they inherited from their parents. Genes are short sections of DNA that determine the characteristics of each living organism. Although the DNA sequence is more than 99% identical between different people, there is still scope for more than 10 million potential differences between the gene structure of two people.  Experts use the term genetic susceptibility to refer to genetic factors that may make ...

There are a number of factors that can occur early in a person’s life that could lead to lung problems later in life. These include not breast feeding, weight gain, a mother’s use of paracetomol during pregnancy, complications during childbirth and indoor and outdoor air quality.  Pre-birth problems with lung development The lungs may not always grow properly while a baby is in the womb. If the lungs do not grow properly, the baby has a low chance of survival once born. Abnormal lung growth ...

Most respiratory conditions are caused by an interaction between genetic and environmental factors such as smoking, pollution and diet. There is increasing evidence that diet and nutrition play a role in the development and progress of lung diseases. Being either obese or underweight can both have harmful consequences for lung health.  How does diet affect different conditions?  Asthma Different foods and nutrients can have an impact on the development and progression of asthma. The effe...