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Published on: August 7, 2017

Breastfeeding and asthma in young children: findings from a population-based study

S Dell1, T To

  • 1Division of Respiratory Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X8, Canada.

Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
|November 29, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Longer breastfeeding durations are linked to reduced asthma and wheeze risk in Canadian children. Public health initiatives should promote increased breastfeeding initiation and duration for better child respiratory health.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Asthma is a significant respiratory condition in young children.
  • Breastfeeding is recognized for its numerous health benefits, but its specific role in asthma prevention requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between the duration of breastfeeding and the incidence of asthma and wheeze in Canadian children.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized baseline data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth.
  • Included 331,100 children (aged 12-24 months) with parental reports on breastfeeding and asthma.
  • Employed logistic regression analysis, adjusting for potential confounders like smoking and maternal education.

Main Results:

  • A breastfeeding duration of 9 months or less was identified as a risk factor for asthma (OR, 2.39) and wheeze (OR, 1.54).
  • A dose-response relationship was observed, indicating that longer breastfeeding duration correlated with lower asthma and wheeze risk.
  • The prevalence of asthma was 6.3% and wheeze was 23.9% in the study population.

Conclusions:

  • Extended breastfeeding duration demonstrates a protective effect against the development of asthma and wheeze in young children.
  • Findings support increased public health efforts to promote breastfeeding initiation and duration.
Abstract

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