Medical researchers have uncovered why there are gender differences among asthma sufferers by studying testosterone.

The public's interest in the lung condition has peaked since a thunderstorm asthma event last year contributed to nine deaths in Victoria.

It's hoped this latest finding that testosterone can block the production of an immune cell will lead to more targetted asthma treatment.

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Professor Gabrielle Belz, Melbourne's Walter and Eliza Hall Institute

Stephanie Horan, asthma sufferer from Melbourne