Researchers have evaluated the influence of periodontitis on severe asthma in adults in a recently published study. (Photo: wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock)

2013-12-13 | News Americas

SALVADOR, Brazil: A number of studies have suggested that periodontal infections contribute to systemic diseases and conditions. Now, a team of Brazilian researchers has found new evidence that periodontitis increases the risk of severe asthma. In a study of over 200 participants, they found that adults with periodontal disease are significantly more likely to develop the condition.

The study included 113 patients diagnosed with asthma and 107 controls. After accounting for age, schooling level, osteoporosis, smoking habit and body mass index, the researchers found that adults with periodontal disease were about five times more likely to have bronchial inflammation than those without such periodontal tissue infection.

According to the World Health Organization, asthma is one of the major noncommunicable diseases, is characterized by recurrent attacks of breathlessness and wheezing, and currently affects an estimated 235 million people worldwide. In addition, severe periodontal disease, which may result in tooth loss, is found in 15–20 percent of adults aged 35–44 worldwide, the WHO states.

The study, titled "Does Periodontal Infection Have an Effect on Severe Asthma in Adults?," was published online on Nov. 14 in the Journal of Periodontology ahead of print. It was conducted by researchers at the State University of Feira de Santana in collaboration with the Federal University of Recôncavo of Bahia and the University of São Paulo.