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Effects of passive smoking and breastfeeding on childhood bronchial asthma

E M Wafula1, M S Limbe, F E Onyango

  • 1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan Hospital, Nairobi.

East African Medical Journal
|March 29, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Passive smoking increases the risk of early-onset asthma and potentially severe asthma. Exclusive breastfeeding protects against severe asthma but does not influence the age of onset.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Environmental Health
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Asthma is a significant pediatric respiratory condition.
  • Early life exposures like passive smoking and breastfeeding patterns may influence asthma development and severity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of passive smoking and breastfeeding on the onset age and severity of bronchial asthma in children.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted.
  • Participants included children aged 1-120 months at Kenyatta National Hospital.
  • Data on passive smoking exposure and breastfeeding practices were collected.

Main Results:

  • Passive smoking was significantly associated with earlier onset of wheezing (Odds ratio = 2.44, p = 0.012).
  • Exclusive breastfeeding showed a significant protective effect against severe bronchial asthma (Odds ratio = 0.4, p = 0.045).
  • Passive smoking showed a non-significant trend towards increased asthma severity, while breastfeeding did not affect the age of onset.

Conclusions:

  • Passive smoking is linked to early-onset asthma and potentially severe disease.
  • Exclusive breastfeeding offers protection against severe asthma.
  • Breastfeeding duration does not appear to influence the age of asthma onset.
Abstract

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