A genetic breakthrough made by scientists at the National Heart and Lung Institute may lead to new and better treatments for children who suffer with asthma.
In a study of 2,000 children, 994 asthmatics 1,243 non asthmatics, and it was discovered that the gene ORMDL3 carried a higher level of blood cells in those children who suffer from the repiratory condition, the most common chronic disease in children.
The risk of developing asthma could be as high as 70% if a child carries a specific variant of this gene.
It was also discovered that gnetic markers on chromosone 17 altered the levels of ORMDL3.
Dr Miriam Moffat said: "These novel findings do not explain completely how asthma is caused but they do provide a further part of the gene-environment jigsaw that makes up the disease.
We and our colleagues are currently preparing even bigger studies to find other genes of smaller effect, and to relate these to environment factors that protect against asthma. Our eventual aim is to be able to prevent the disease in susceptible individuals.
In the Uk alone 1 million people recieve asthma treatment and the condition kills around 1,500 people every year.