Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 12, 2026

A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect
05:04

A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect

Published on: September 22, 2023

Breastfeeding protects against adverse respiratory outcomes at 15 months of age

Karen M Silvers1, Chris M Frampton, Kristin Wickens

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences, PO Box 4345, Christchurch, New Zealand. karen.silvers@xtra.co.nz

Maternal & Child Nutrition
|June 25, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of respiratory issues like asthma and wheezing in infants. This study found a protective effect of breastfeeding on infant respiratory health up to 15 months of age.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • The link between breastfeeding and allergic diseases remains debated.
  • Previous studies show mixed results regarding breastfeeding's impact on respiratory health and allergies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between breastfeeding duration and respiratory outcomes, eczema, and atopy at 15 months.
  • To investigate these relationships in a prospective birth cohort in New Zealand.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective birth cohort study of 1105 infants, with 1011 followed to 15 months.
  • Logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounders like ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and smoking in pregnancy.
  • Assessment of breastfeeding duration, respiratory outcomes (asthma, wheezing, inhaler use), eczema, and atopy.

Main Results:

  • Each month of exclusive breastfeeding reduced the risk of doctor-diagnosed asthma by 20%, wheezing by 12%, and inhaler use by 14%.
  • Both exclusive and additional breastfeeding durations showed significant protective effects on respiratory outcomes.
  • No association was found between breastfeeding and eczema or atopy at 15 months.

Conclusions:

  • Breastfeeding demonstrates a significant protective effect against infant wheezing and other adverse respiratory outcomes.
  • These respiratory outcomes may serve as early indicators for the development of asthma in children.
  • The findings highlight the importance of breastfeeding for infant respiratory health in the New Zealand context.

More Related Videos

Isolation of Leukocytes from Human Breast Milk for Use in an Antibody-dependent Cellular Phagocytosis Assay of HIV Targets08:12

Isolation of Leukocytes from Human Breast Milk for Use in an Antibody-dependent Cellular Phagocytosis Assay of HIV Targets

Published on: September 6, 2019

Breast Milk Enhances Growth of Enteroids: An Ex Vivo Model of Cell Proliferation09:02

Breast Milk Enhances Growth of Enteroids: An Ex Vivo Model of Cell Proliferation

Published on: February 15, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...
Development of Immunocompetence01:22

Development of Immunocompetence

The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
Respiratory Assessment: Purpose and Indications01:19

Respiratory Assessment: Purpose and Indications

Respiratory assessment is a cornerstone of nursing assessments, crucial for the early detection of patient deterioration. This evaluation transcends routine procedures, representing a critical skill nurses must master to ensure optimal patient care.
Objectives and Importance:
The primary goal of respiratory assessment is to evaluate patients at early risk of clinical deterioration. Since respiratory distress often precedes other signs of declining health, breathing patterns and sounds become a...
Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention01:30

Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention

Nursing management of pneumonia involves promoting airway patency, facilitating rest and conserving energy, encouraging fluid intake, maintaining nutrition, and educating patients.
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed.
Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...