Asthma is most common in English-speaking countries, says a worldwide study that has linked the illness to lifestyle and not genes.
A 10-year study of 140,000 people in 22 countries found the disease was developing more quickly in Britain, Ireland, America, Australia and New Zealand than in Eastern Europe, India or Mediterranean countries.
The University of Uppsala, Sweden, study has shown that asthma rates are relatively lower in Germany, Italy, Spain, Iceland, India and Algeria, compared with English-speaking countries.
Scientists are still puzzled as to why asthma is on the increase and why there is such geographical variation. Potential causes include climate, dust mites, pet hair, diet and exposure to dust.
Asthma most common in English-speaking countries
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