Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 28, 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

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Breastfeeding and respiratory tract infections during the first 2 years of life

Jingying Wang1, Alban Ramette1, Maja Jurca1

  • 1Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.

ERJ Open Research
|June 16, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of respiratory tract infections in infants. This protective effect highlights the importance of breastfeeding for infant respiratory health.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are a leading cause of infant morbidity and mortality worldwide.
  • Breastfeeding is recognized for its numerous health benefits, including immune support.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between breastfeeding and the incidence of respiratory tract infections in infants.
  • To quantify the protective effect of breastfeeding against common infant respiratory illnesses.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review and meta-analysis of existing epidemiological studies.
  • Inclusion of studies comparing infants who were breastfed versus formula-fed.
  • Analysis of data on the incidence of specific RTIs such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and otitis media.

Main Results:

  • A statistically significant reduction in the risk of developing RTIs was observed in breastfed infants compared to formula-fed infants.
  • The protective effect was dose-dependent, with longer durations of breastfeeding showing greater risk reduction.
  • Specific reductions were noted for pneumonia, lower respiratory tract infections, and middle ear infections.

Conclusions:

  • Breastfeeding provides substantial protection against respiratory tract infections in infants.
  • Promoting and supporting breastfeeding is a critical public health strategy for reducing infant respiratory illness burden.

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