Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma
08:05

Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma

Published on: May 14, 2012

Maternal asthma, infant feeding, and the risk of asthma in childhood

Wendy H Oddy1, Jennifer K Peat, Nicholas H de Klerk

  • 1Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, Perth, Australia.

The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|July 12, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Exclusive breast-feeding for less than four months increases the risk of childhood asthma. Maternal asthma status does not alter this association, suggesting all infants benefit from prolonged exclusive breastfeeding.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Maternal asthma is a known risk factor for childhood asthma.
  • The role of breastfeeding in mitigating this risk is debated.
  • Previous studies have yielded conflicting results regarding breastfeeding and childhood asthma.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if maternal asthma modifies the association between breastfeeding duration and childhood asthma.
  • To determine the optimal duration of exclusive breastfeeding for preventing childhood asthma.
  • To clarify breastfeeding recommendations for infants with a maternal history of asthma.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective cohort study of 2602 West Australian children, enrolled before birth.
  • Data collected on infant feeding, maternal asthma, atopy, and physician-diagnosed asthma at age 6.
  • Statistical analysis using logistic regression to assess risk factors and interactions.

Main Results:

  • Stopping exclusive breastfeeding before 4 months was associated with an increased risk of childhood asthma (OR, 1.28; P=.038).
  • This increased risk was not modified by maternal asthma status or child's atopy.
  • Exclusive breastfeeding for less than 4 months remained a significant risk factor for current asthma after covariate adjustment (OR, 1.35; P=.049).

Conclusions:

  • Maternal asthma status does not alter the association between breastfeeding duration and childhood asthma.
  • Exclusive breastfeeding for at least 4 months is recommended for all infants, regardless of maternal asthma history.
  • Prolonged exclusive breastfeeding may be a protective factor against childhood asthma development.

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

Concurrent Collection of Fetal Murine Brain and Serum to Assess Effects of Maternal Diet on Nutrition and Neurodevelopment in Neurofibromatosis Type 105:44

Concurrent Collection of Fetal Murine Brain and Serum to Assess Effects of Maternal Diet on Nutrition and Neurodevelopment in Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Published on: May 17, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
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-II: Pathophysiology and Classification01:26

Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification

Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
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 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,...