Neo,

I have not come across studies looking at thin people with respect to asthma. The terms would have to be further defined. If we focus on people under the fifth percentile in weight, there may be other health concerns that are more important than asthma.

Asthma problems in a person that is under weight because of malnutrition may be better managed by addressing the cause of the poor nutrition. If one is simply of thinner build, I don't think difficult-to-control asthma is directly impacted by this.

I have not reviewed any studies that tie in asthma with the inability to gain weight, but any chronic illness which may be complicated by depression or anxiety, may possibly lead to some loss of weight. Furthermore, medications (theophylline, oral bronchodilators, hayfever drugs etc.) may sometimes have side effects that include nausea (and perhaps decreased appetite) and cause some weight loss.

I wonder how many others have experienced poor weight gain in the setting of asthma.

Thanks for your remarks,

J. Thompson, MD