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The Role of Breastfeeding in Childhood Otitis Media
Caroline J Lodge1,2, Gayan Bowatte3, Melanie C Matheson3
1Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia. clodge@unimelb.edu.au.
Insights
Breastfeeding significantly lowers the risk of childhood otitis media (OM) by 40-50%. Continued breastfeeding offers further protection, with substantial public health and economic benefits globally.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Otitis media (OM) is a common childhood illness.
- Breastfeeding is a key factor in infant health.
- Understanding the link between breastfeeding and OM is crucial for public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent literature on the relationship between breastfeeding and childhood otitis media (OM).
- To synthesize findings from systematic reviews and original studies.
- To evaluate the evidence for a causal link and its implications.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of systematic reviews.
- Inclusion of recently published original studies not in systematic reviews.
- Analysis of biological plausibility and epidemiological data.
Main Results:
- Breastfeeding is clearly associated with a reduced risk of childhood OM.
- Any breastfeeding reduces OM risk by 40-50% in early childhood.
- Continued breastfeeding provides additional risk reduction.
- Significant economic savings are projected globally by increasing breastfeeding rates.
Conclusions:
- Breastfeeding is a protective factor against childhood otitis media.
- The association between breastfeeding and reduced OM risk is likely causal.
- Promoting breastfeeding offers substantial public health and economic benefits.
Purpose Of Review:
The purpose of this review is to summarize the recent literature, both systematic reviews and recently published original studies not included within those reviews, on the relationship between breastfeeding and childhood otitis media (OM).
Recent Findings:
There is clear evidence that breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of OM in childhood with sound biological plausibility to support that the association is likely causal. Any breastfeeding reduces OM risk in early childhood by 40-50 %. Systematic reviews also support a further reduced risk for continued breastfeeding. Recent studies have estimated burden of disease savings if breastfeeding within countries and globally approached WHO guidelines. Cost savings per year for reduced cases of OM by increasing ever and exclusive breastfeeding rates are estimated to be millions of pounds or dollars for UK and Mexico. Breastfeeding reduces OM in children. The burden of disease and economic impact of increasing breastfeeding rates and duration would be substantial.
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