18 Jun 2025 • A large UK Biobank study comprising over 280,000 participants found that female permanent night shift workers had a 50% greater likelihood of moderate-to-severe asthma compared to female day workers (aOR 1.50).

Similar trends were noted for all asthma phenotypes and wheezing or chest whistling. No corresponding association was observed in men (aOR 0.95).

The elevated asthma risk was more pronounced in postmenopausal women not on hormone replacement therapy (HRT, aOR: 1.89), while this risk was not seen in those using HRT.

The findings suggest that both disrupted circadian rhythm and hormonal factors may influence asthma vulnerability in women.

Source: ERS | Read Full Story