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Lower respiratory tract infection in infancy in relation to feeding pattern

Kamal Gurung1, Kamala Vaidya, Sheela Bhambal

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Nepal Medical College, Jorpati, Kathmandu. kamalgurung_2000@yahoo.com

Nepal Medical College Journal : NMCJ
|April 6, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Infant feeding patterns significantly impact lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI). Mixed or artificial feeding increases LRTI incidence and mortality compared to exclusive breastfeeding.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) are a major cause of infant morbidity and mortality.
  • Infant feeding practices, including breastfeeding and introduction of solids, are crucial for immune development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between infant feeding patterns and the occurrence of lower respiratory tract infections.
  • To identify risk factors for LRTI in infants.

Main Methods:

  • A hospital-based descriptive study was conducted over one year.
  • Two hundred and five infants diagnosed with LRTI were analyzed.
  • Feeding patterns, age at introduction of solids, and co-existing conditions like diarrhea were recorded.

Main Results:

  • LRTI was most common in infants aged 0-3 months.
  • Pre-lacteal feeding (60%) and bottle-feeding (71%) were prevalent.
  • Late introduction of solids (9-12 months) was common.
  • Diarrhea was associated with 53% of LRTI cases and was the leading cause of mortality.
  • Male infants showed a higher incidence (male:female ratio 2.8:1).
  • Mixed/artificial feeding led to a 1.7-fold higher incidence of LRTI compared to exclusive breastfeeding.
  • Mortality rates were 10 times higher in artificially/mixed-fed infants.

Conclusions:

  • Feeding patterns in infancy are strongly linked to lower respiratory tract infections.
  • Exclusive breastfeeding appears protective against LRTI and associated mortality.
  • Delayed introduction of solids and bottle-feeding may increase susceptibility to LRTI.
Abstract

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