Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2025
Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
Published on: August 7, 2017
Maternal apparent temperature during pregnancy on the risk of offspring asthma and wheezing: effect, critical window,
Jiatao Zhang1, Shuoxin Bai2, Shaoqian Lin3
1Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China.
Insights
Maternal exposure to extreme ambient temperatures (AT) during pregnancy, particularly in the first and third trimesters, increases the risk of childhood asthma and wheezing. This finding highlights the importance of temperature monitoring during prenatal development.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Respiratory Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Childhood asthma and wheezing are significant public health concerns.
- The role of environmental factors, such as ambient temperature (AT), during pregnancy in influencing these conditions requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between maternal AT exposure during pregnancy and the incidence of childhood asthma and wheezing.
- To identify potential effect modifiers in this relationship.
Main Methods:
- A population-based case-control study was conducted in Jinan.
- Generalized additive models and logistic regression were used to assess the association between prenatal AT exposure and childhood respiratory outcomes.
- Stratified analyses were performed to explore effect modification.
Main Results:
- Significant associations were found between childhood asthma/wheezing and cold exposure in the first trimester (OR 1.731) and cold/heat exposure in the third trimester (ORs 1.610 and 2.039, respectively).
- In the third trimester, the impact was more pronounced in girls, children residing near major roads, and those with a parental history of asthma.
Conclusions:
- Exposure to extreme ambient temperatures during critical prenatal periods (first and third trimesters) is linked to an increased risk of childhood asthma and wheezing.
- Specific subgroups, including girls and children with certain environmental or familial risk factors, may be more susceptible to these temperature-related effects.
Abstract:
The objective of this study was to explore the impact of maternal AT during pregnancy on childhood asthma and wheezing, as well as the potential effect modifiers in this association. A cross-sectional study was implemented from December 2018 to March 2019 in Jinan to investigate the prevalence of childhood asthma and wheezing among aged 18 months to 3 years. Then, we conducted a case-control study based on population to explore the association between prenatal different AT exposure levels and childhood asthma and wheezing. The association was assessed by generalized additive models and logistic regression models, and stratified analyses were performed to explore potential effect modifiers. A total of 12,384 vaccinated children participated in screening for asthma and wheezing, 236 cases were screened, as well as 1445 controls were randomized. After adjusting for the covariates, childhood asthma and wheezing were significantly associated with cold exposure in the first trimester, with OR 1.731 (95% CI: 1.117-2.628), and cold exposure and heat exposure in the third trimester, with ORs 1.610 (95% CI: 1.030-2.473) and 2.039 (95% CI: 1.343-3.048). In the third trimester, enhanced impacts were found among girls, children whose distance of residence was close to the nearest main traffic road, and children whose parents have asthma. The study indicates that exposure to extreme AT during the first and third trimesters could increase the risk of childhood asthma and wheezing.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
01:23Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics
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...
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
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.
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Classification of Asthma
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
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:
01:14Temperature Measurement Sites
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...