Moderate drinking may cut asthma risk

Moderate alcohol consumption may reduce the risk of asthma, research suggests.

But heavy drinking makes the condition more likely, a Danish study found.

Scientists compared alcohol intake with asthma risk over a period of eight years in more than 19,000 twins aged 12 and 41.

All participants completed questionnaires at the start and end of the study.

Fewer than four per cent of those who drank one to six units of alcohol per week developed asthma. In comparison, more than six per cent of people who rarely or never drank alcohol began suffering symptoms. Around 4.5 per cent of heavy drinkers who consumed four or more units of alcohol per day became asthmatic.

The findings were presented at the European Respiratory Society’s Annual Congress in Amsterdam.

Researcher Sofie Lieberoth, from the Bispebjerg Hospital in Denmark, said: “While excessive alcohol intake can cause health problems, the findings of our study suggest that a moderate intake of one to six units can reduce the risk of developing asthma.

“By examining all the factors linked with the development of asthma, we can understand more about what causes the condition and how to prevent it.”

Previous studies have shown a link between excessive alcohol consumption and asthma attacks.

The research also indicated drinkers who preferred beer were more likely to develop asthma than those who had no preference.