Asthma

High PRS

A high PRS is associated with up to double the risk for developing Asthma relative to a person not in the high-risk category. The data is based on populations of African, European, and trans-ancestry descent. Information is insufficient or not available for populations of other descent.

For participants with a high PRS, recommendations include:

• Asthma risk assessment and education about signs & symptoms of airway obstruction.
• Ask about wheezes or cough triggers in a child's living environment(s) such as airway irritants (e.g., smoke), perennial allergens (e.g., mold, dust mites, pet dander), seasonal allergies, and providing education for trigger mitigation.
• If there is a history of wheezing or coughing, assess the need for a rescue inhaler/treatment at home, for pre-medication (e.g., albuterol) prior to exercise, and for controller inhaler or daily treatment.
• Consider referral to an Asthma specialist (e.g., pulmonologist, allergist).
• Install an Asthma action plan if asthma diagnosis is suspected.

Clinical Risk Factors

Information from the GIRA report can also be used to calculate a non-genetic pediatric Asthma risk score online tool.