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Published on: August 7, 2017

Effect of breastfeeding on lung function in childhood and modulation by maternal asthma and atopy

Theresa W Guilbert1, Debra A Stern, Wayne J Morgan

  • 1Arizona Respiratory Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA. tguilbert@wisc.edu

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
|August 11, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Longer breastfeeding promotes lung growth in children, but may decrease airflow in those with maternal asthma. This study clarifies infant feeding practices and their impact on respiratory health.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Respiratory Health
  • Infant Nutrition
  • Asthma Etiology

Background:

  • Breastfeeding's protective effect against early respiratory infections is known.
  • Its association with later asthma development is debated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the link between infant feeding practices and lung function.
  • To clarify the complex relationship between breastfeeding and asthma development.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective assessment of infant feeding practices (formula introduction timing).
  • Lung function measured at ages 11 and 16 in the Tucson Children's Respiratory Study.
  • Random-effects model used to analyze feeding practices and lung function outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Longer breastfeeding correlated with increased FVC (forced vital capacity) and lower FEV1/FVC ratio by age 16.
  • Maternal asthma modified this effect: longer breastfeeding was linked to decreased FVC and significantly lower FEV1/FVC ratio.
  • In children of non-asthmatic mothers, longer breastfeeding showed increased FVC and no change in FEV1/FVC ratio.

Conclusions:

  • Extended breastfeeding positively impacts children's lung growth.
  • However, longer breastfeeding is associated with reduced airflow in children with a maternal history of asthma.
Abstract

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