Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Evaluation of Respiratory System Mechanics in Mice using the Forced Oscillation Technique
13:10

Evaluation of Respiratory System Mechanics in Mice using the Forced Oscillation Technique

Published on: May 15, 2013

Parental smoking, breast feeding, and respiratory infection in development of allergic diseases

J J Cogswell, E B Mitchell, J Alexander

    Archives of Disease in Childhood
    |April 1, 1987
    PubMed

    Insights

    Environmental factors significantly impact allergic disease development in children. Parental smoking is linked to wheezing, while early allergen exposure may influence eczema onset in susceptible children.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
    • Environmental Health
    • Clinical Epidemiology

    Background:

    • Children born to atopic parents have a higher predisposition to allergic diseases.
    • Understanding environmental influences is crucial for preventing childhood allergic conditions.
    • Early life exposures play a significant role in the development of atopy.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To prospectively investigate environmental factors contributing to clinical disease in children of atopic parents.
    • To identify specific environmental exposures associated with the development of eczema and wheezing.
    • To provide evidence-based guidance for reducing environmental allergen exposure in susceptible children.

    Main Methods:

    • A five-year prospective study involving 73 children from atopic families.
    • Clinical assessments for eczema and wheezing.
    • Regular skin testing for ingestants and inhalants, immunoglobulin assays, and respiratory viral cultures.

    Main Results:

    • Eczema developed in 36 children, often linked to ingestant sensitivity (first year) and inhalant sensitivity (fifth year).
    • Wheezing occurred in 32 children; recurrent wheeze was not associated with specific early-life respiratory infections.
    • Parental smoking habits showed a significant association with wheezing episodes by the fifth birthday.

    Conclusions:

    • Environmental factors, including parental smoking and allergen exposure, significantly influence allergic disease development in genetically susceptible children.
    • Breastfeeding did not demonstrate a protective effect against allergic disease in this cohort.
    • Parents should be advised to minimize environmental allergen exposure and strictly avoid smoking in the child's presence.

    More Related Videos

    Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels05:31

    Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels

    Published on: August 7, 2017

    Cigarette Smoke Exposure in Mice using a Whole-Body Inhalation System06:07

    Cigarette Smoke Exposure in Mice using a Whole-Body Inhalation System

    Published on: October 22, 2020

    Related Concept Videos

    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.
    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...
    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:
    Asthma I: Introduction01:28

    Asthma I: Introduction

    Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
    Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction01:23

    Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction

    Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common, preventable, and treatable respiratory disorder characterized by persistent symptoms and progressive airflow limitation. This limitation results from a combination of small-airway disease (obstructive bronchiolitis) and parenchymal destruction (emphysema), both driven by chronic inflammation from exposure to harmful particles or gases.The disease includes two main pathological entities: emphysema, marked by destruction of alveolar walls and...
    Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features01:24

    Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

    Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...