Connection between Asthma and Psoriatic Arthritis: Uncovering the Relationship
Psoriasis, an autoimmune skin condition, and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a related inflammatory joint disease, share common immune mechanisms and have been linked to an increased risk of developing asthma.
Psoriatic arthritis affects around 30% of individuals with psoriasis, causing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Both conditions involve an overactive immune response, particularly a Th1/Th17/TNF inflammatory pattern. Research shows overlapping inflammatory markers and genetic factors in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, supporting their connection as related disease manifestations.
The link between psoriatic arthritis or psoriasis and asthma development is not yet fully established. However, all three conditions share features of immune dysregulation involving T-helper cells and cytokines such as IL-17 and TNF-alpha that contribute to inflammation. Chronic systemic inflammation in psoriasis/PsA could hypothetically predispose to or exacerbate airway inflammation seen in asthma, but explicit causal or epidemiologic links remain underexplored.
A study from 2018 looked at psoriasis and inflammation in the airways, measured in exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). The results suggested a potential connection between psoriasis and lung health. People with psoriatic arthritis have higher levels of airway inflammation compared to those with psoriasis.
If medications used to treat psoriatic arthritis or psoriasis are causing lung issues, a person may want to discuss other options with their doctor. It's important for individuals with these conditions to discuss with their doctor other risk factors for developing asthma and potential steps to reduce their risk.
Asthma and psoriasis share a common immunophenotype known as the non-type 2 (T2) IL-17A pathway, which could indicate a genetic connection between the two conditions. Other potential risk factors for asthma development include family history, occupational exposure to chemicals, smoking, viral respiratory infections, living with allergic conditions such as hay fever or eczema, obesity or overweight, and exposure to air pollution.
Lack of access to quality care and health insurance may lead to an increase in asthma-related symptoms. The American Lung Association recommends learning more about asthma, understanding how to use medications and devices, developing a management plan, taking online or in-person courses, avoiding triggers, tracking symptoms, and recording them for doctor visits.
A doctor or medical professional may recommend bronchodilators, anti-inflammatory medications, combination medications, anticholinergics, antibiotics or antivirals for asthma treatment. Living with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis can increase a person's risk of several different lung conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sarcoid, lung cancer, and interstitial lung disease.
While more targeted research is needed to clarify the connection between psoriatic disease and asthma development, it's clear that both conditions share immune mechanisms and potentially overlapping inflammatory pathways. People with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis should be aware of the increased risk of developing asthma and discuss potential preventative measures with their healthcare providers.
- Psoriatic arthritis and asthma share features of immune dysregulation involving T-helper cells and cytokines, indicating a potential connection between the two conditions.
- The overactive immune response in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, particularly a Th1/Th17/TNF inflammatory pattern, could hypothetically predispose individuals to airway inflammation seen in asthma.
- A 2018 study suggested a potential connection between psoriasis and lung health, with people with psoriatic arthritis having higher levels of airway inflammation compared to those with psoriasis alone.
- It's crucial for individuals with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis to discuss with their doctor other risk factors for developing asthma and potential steps to reduce their risk.
- Asthma and psoriasis share a common immunophenotype known as the non-type 2 (T2) IL-17A pathway, which could indicate a genetic connection between the two conditions.
- People with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis may have an increased risk of several different lung conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sarcoid, lung cancer, and interstitial lung disease.
