Alcohol ‘cuts asthma risk’

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

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

Scientists compared alcohol intake with asthma risk over 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 4% of those who drank one to six units of alcohol per week developed asthma. In comparison, more than 6% of people who rarely or never drank alcohol began suffering symptoms. Around 4.5% of heavy drinkers who consumed four or more units of alcohol per day became asthmatic.

One unit of alcohol is equivalent to half a pint of beer, a single measure of spirits, or just under a standard 125ml glass of wine.

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

Researcher Sofie Lieberoth, from the Bispebjerg Hospital in Denmark, said: “Whilst 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.”

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.