People who abstain, rarely drink, or drink heavily are at much higher risk of developing asthma. That’s in comparison to those who drink in moderation. Those are the findings of a large study in Denmark. In short, it found that the risk of developing asthma is reduced by drinking alcohol in moderation.

The Study

Researchers surveyed almost 20,000 asthma-free healthy Danes once and then again eight years later. They first compared moderate drinkers to abstainers and infrequent drinkers. The abstainers and infrequent drinkers had a 46% greater risk of developing asthma.

They then compared moderate to heavy drinkers. The latter had a 26% greater risk compared to moderate drinkers. In calculating risks, the researchers controlled or adjusted for age, sex, smoking, body mass index, and level of education.

Thus, there was a U-shaped curve. Abstainers and infrequent drinkers had a high risk. Moderate drinkers had a low risk. And heavy drinkers had a high risk. A similar U-shaped curve has also been found for the relationship between alcohol consumption and the development of other diseases. They include cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, ED, kidney cancer, Parkinson’s disease, prostate cancer, and many other diseases. For more, visit Alcohol and Health.

The Disease

In asthma, airways narrow and produce too much mucus. Breathing can become difficult and cause shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. It’s a chronic or long-term illness.

Asthma can restrict activities and an asthma attack can cause death. It’s a chronic or long-term illness. There is no cure for the disease. Nor is it clear why some people develop it.

Resources: Risk of Asthma Reduced by Drinking Alcohol in Moderation