Farming environments and childhood atopy, wheeze, lung function, and exhaled nitric oxide
- 1Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- 0Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Children on farms show reduced wheeze, even without allergies. This farm effect suggests unknown immune system benefits, not related to lung function, protecting against childhood wheeze.
Area Of Science
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Epidemiology
Background
- Previous research indicates farm-raised children have lower rates of asthma and allergies.
- The specific mechanisms behind this protective "farm effect," particularly concerning non-allergic wheeze, remain unclear.
Purpose Of The Study
- To investigate the impact of farm environments on various wheeze phenotypes in children.
- To examine the relationship between farm exposure, atopy, and objective markers like lung function and exhaled nitric oxide.
Main Methods
- Cross-sectional, population-based surveys (GABRIEL Advanced Studies) involving 8023 children aged 6-12 years, stratified by farm exposure.
- Detailed data collection on wheeze, farming exposure, and immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels.
- Spirometry and exhaled nitric oxide measurements in a subsample of 858 children.
Main Results
- Farm exposure was associated with reduced prevalence of transient wheeze and current wheeze in nonatopic children.
- A significant reduction in atopy prevalence and degree was observed in children from farming environments.
- No significant farm effect was found on lung function parameters or exhaled nitric oxide levels.
Conclusions
- Living on farms confers protection against wheeze in children, independent of atopy.
- This protection is not explained by differences in airway size or lung mechanics.
- Potential protective mechanisms may involve modulation of immune responses or reduced susceptibility to wheeze triggers like viral infections.
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