Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
05:31

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels

Published on: August 7, 2017

Association of maternal anemia with increased wheeze and asthma in children

Elizabeth W Triche1, Lisbet S Lundsberg, Paige G Wickner

  • 1Brown University, Department of Community Health/Epidemiology, Providence, RI, USA. Elizabeth_triche@brown.edu

Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology : Official Publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology
|February 1, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Maternal anemia during pregnancy is linked to respiratory issues in children, including wheezing and asthma. This highlights maternal anemia as a potential target for interventions to improve infant respiratory health.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Pediatrics
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Maternal nutrition and micronutrient status during pregnancy are increasingly recognized for their impact on offspring respiratory health.
  • Understanding the link between maternal health conditions during pregnancy and childhood respiratory diseases is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between maternal anemia during pregnancy and the development of wheeze and asthma in early childhood.
  • To identify specific wheeze patterns and asthma diagnoses linked to maternal anemia.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort study followed children from pregnancy until age 6, assessing respiratory health.
  • Maternal anemia was identified via diagnosis and hemoglobin levels (< 11 g/dL) at delivery.
  • Respiratory outcomes included wheezing, specific wheeze patterns (transient, persistent), and asthma diagnosis.

Main Results:

  • Maternal anemia was associated with recurrent infant wheeze (first year and before age 3) and specific wheeze patterns.
  • In mothers with asthma, maternal anemia showed stronger associations with infant wheeze and increased offspring asthma diagnosis.
  • Adjusted odds ratios indicated significant links between maternal anemia and various respiratory outcomes in children.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal anemia during pregnancy is significantly associated with adverse respiratory health outcomes in offspring.
  • These findings suggest maternal anemia as a potential modifiable risk factor for childhood respiratory diseases.
  • Further research and potential interventions targeting maternal anemia may improve infant respiratory health.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

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-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-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 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,...
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-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: