Effect of Farming on Asthma

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Immunology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Asthma prevalence is increasing globally, potentially linked to reduced exposure to rural farming environments.
• The exact causes for the rise in asthma rates remain unclear, but environmental factors are suspected.
• Westernization and urbanization may contribute to the loss of traditional farming lifestyles, impacting childhood asthma risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the immunobiology of farm exposure and its protective effects against asthma.
• To summarize findings from 27 studies across 11 cohorts regarding farming's impact on childhood asthma.
• To explore potential mechanisms behind the protective effects of farm environments on asthma development.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of 27 studies and 11 cohorts.
• Analysis of data on childhood asthma prevalence and incidence.
• Examination of environmental exposures, including farm animals, fodder, and unpasteurized milk.

Main Results:

• Traditional farming environments show a preventive effect on childhood asthma prevalence and incidence.
• Exposure to farm animals, farm fodder, and consumption of unpasteurized cow's milk are associated with a reduced risk of asthma.
• Studies indicate potential protective mechanisms involving microbial exposure and modulation of cytokine production.

Conclusions:

• The farming environment, encompassing animal exposure, fodder, and unpasteurized milk, demonstrates a protective effect against asthma.
• Understanding these effects can inform the development of novel asthma prevention strategies.
• Further research into the precise immunobiological mechanisms is warranted.