Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 27, 2026

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
14:39

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma

Published on: November 4, 2010

Family size, infections, and asthma prevalence in New Zealand children

K L Wickens1, J Crane, T J Kemp

  • 1Wellington Asthma Research Group, Wellington School of Medicine, Wellington South, New Zealand.

Epidemiology (Cambridge, Mass.)
|October 27, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Fewer siblings increase asthma risk in children, while infections like rubeola may offer protection. This study explored family size, childhood infections, and asthma development.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
  • Epidemiology
  • Environmental Health

Background:

  • Asthma is a significant global health concern in children.
  • Family size and childhood infections are hypothesized environmental factors influencing asthma development.
  • Understanding these relationships can inform public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between family composition, childhood infections, and the prevalence of asthma in 7-9 year olds.
  • To identify specific factors within family structure and infection history that correlate with asthma risk.
  • To control for potential confounders such as atopy and socioeconomic status.

Main Methods:

  • A prevalence case-control study design was employed.
  • Participants were selected from the Wellington, NZ, arm of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood.
  • Cases had diagnosed asthma and medication use; controls had no wheezing history or asthma diagnosis.

Main Results:

  • A reduced number of siblings was associated with a significantly increased risk of asthma.
  • Parent-reported rubeola infection showed an independent association with a decreased risk of asthma.
  • Pertussis infection and early-life daycare attendance did not show strong associations with increased asthma risk.

Conclusions:

  • Family size, specifically having fewer siblings, is a significant risk factor for childhood asthma.
  • Certain childhood infections, like rubeola, may have a protective effect against asthma development.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the complex interplay between family environment, infections, and pediatric asthma.

More Related Videos

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels05:31

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels

Published on: August 7, 2017

Setup of Consumer Wearable Devices for Exposure and Health Monitoring in Population Studies15:00

Setup of Consumer Wearable Devices for Exposure and Health Monitoring in Population Studies

Published on: February 3, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Asthma-I: Introduction01:29

Asthma-I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications01:24

Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications

Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management01:30

Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management

The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract01:29

Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract

The human respiratory tract, comprising the upper and lower segments, serves as a critical interface with the external environment. The upper respiratory tract (URT)—including the nostrils, sinuses, pharynx, and oropharynx—is heavily colonized by microbes, while the lower respiratory tract (LRT), composed of the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs, was long thought to be sterile. However, recent molecular studies have revealed that the lungs are not devoid of microbes but act more like...
Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations01:13

Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations

Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...