Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 8, 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

11.1K

Fast food consumption in pregnancy and subsequent asthma symptoms in young children

O S von Ehrenstein1, H Aralis2, M E S Flores3,4

  • 1Department of Community Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.

Pediatric Allergy and Immunology : Official Publication of the European Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
|June 26, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Maternal fast food consumption during pregnancy is linked to an increased risk of asthma symptoms in children. Frequent intake by mothers was associated with a higher likelihood of severe asthma in offspring.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
  • Nutritional Epidemiology

Background:

  • Cross-sectional studies indicate a link between children's fast food intake and asthma/allergy prevalence.
  • Maternal diet during pregnancy is a suspected factor influencing offspring's risk for atopic diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the hypothesis that maternal fast food intake during pregnancy elevates the risk of asthmatic symptoms in offspring.

Main Methods:

  • A population-based study of 1201 mother/child pairs in Los Angeles.
  • Data collected on prenatal fast food intake, diet, lifestyle, and pregnancy factors.
  • Asthma and rhinitis symptoms assessed in children at 3.5 years using International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood criteria; Poisson regression used for analysis.

Main Results:

  • Maternal prenatal fast food consumption showed a dose-dependent association with increased relative risks for severe, current asthma symptoms.
  • Relative risks increased from 0.99 ('once a month') to 4.46 ('every day') compared to 'never' (p for trend = 0.0025).
  • A suggestion of increased risks for rhinitis symptoms was also observed.

Conclusions:

  • In utero exposure to frequent maternal fast food consumption may represent a significant risk factor for developing asthmatic symptoms in young children.
  • Findings highlight the potential impact of prenatal dietary patterns on childhood respiratory health.
Abstract

Keywords:
asthmachildrenepidemiologyfast foodmaternal dietpregnancy

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Collecting the Brain and Serum from the Same Mice Fetus to Study Brain Tumor Development05:44

Author Spotlight: Collecting the Brain and Serum from the Same Mice Fetus to Study Brain Tumor Development

Published on: May 17, 2024

1.3K
Methodology for Sputum Induction and Laboratory Processing13:28

Methodology for Sputum Induction and Laboratory Processing

Published on: December 17, 2017

29.0K

Related Concept Videos

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...
3.7K
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
3.7K
Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics01:23

Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics

Respiratory symptoms, such as congestion and cough, commonly accompany respiratory tract conditions. Various medications, such as antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics, play crucial roles in providing relief.
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla.  Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by...
1.7K
Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management01:30

Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management

The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
3.3K
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.
1.7K
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:
4.9K