Researchers from the Kaiser-Permanente Medical Care Program in San Diego reported that 68% of the adult asthma sufferers they saw over a one-year period were female. Adult women had a higher mean peak expiratory flow compared with men, too, whereas, studies involving children showed no significant difference in numbers of girls and boys. In related news, a blend of three Chinese herbs has been shown to ease moderate asthma symptoms as effectively as a prescription drug. During one study, half of a group of asthma patients were given a blend of Reishi Mushroom, Licorice and Sophora Root while the remaining participants took the steroid prednisone daily. After one month, both groups had seen dramatic improvements in their asthma symptoms (including wheezing and shortness of breath), but only 5% of the herbal group experienced side effects compared to 15% of the steroid takers.

Source: Schatz, M., Clark, S. & Camargo, C.A. (2006). Sex differences in the presentation and course of asthma hospitalizations. Chest [Journal of The American College of Chest Physicians], 129, 50–55.