Asthma is the most common chronic respiratory disease to affect
children (an estimated 7-10% of the pediatric population).
Various
environmental and maternal factors have been suggested as
possible causes, but what about the solution to this frustrating
condition?
A recent study published in the Journal of Asthma
found that breastfeeding can reduce the risk of children developing
asthma. Among nearly 5,200 Brazilian schoolchildren 7-14 years
of age, children who had not been breastfed during infancy
were more likely to suffer from asthma, wheeze (labored breathing,
particularly when exhaling, sometimes accompanied by tightness
in the chest), or wheeze after exercise compared with children
breastfed for six months or more. This association was noted
only in children without a family history of asthma, emphasizing
the independent protective influence of breastfeeding on asthma
risk.
These findings add to the considerable evidence linking breastfeeding
with positive health benefits for the child. For more information
on pediatric health, talk to your doctor and visit https://www.chiroweb.com/tyh/pediatrics.html.
Reference:
NRomieu I, Werneck G, Velasco SR, et al. Breastfeeding and
asthma among Brazilian children. Journal of Asthma
2000: Vol. 37, No. 7, pp575-83.
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