Asthma patients face an increased risk of suffering from a group of serious lung diseases later in life, according to a 20-year study conducted by the University of Arizona. The study found asthma sufferers are 12 times more likely to develop chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases later in adulthood compared to other adults. Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases permanently narrow a person’s air passages. They include illnesses such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Data from the study suggests that what happens during an asthmatic’s life could lead to developing COPDs, said Dr. Robert Barbee, a researcher and professor emeritus at UA’s College of Medicine. The study, published in the medical journal Chest on July 12, found asthmatics have a 10 times higher chance of acquiring the symptoms of chronic bronchitis. They also are 17 times more likely to be diagnosed with emphysema.
