Breastfeeding is associated with a decreased risk of childhood asthma exacerbations later in life

Abstract:

BACKGROUND:

Breastfeeding has been suggested to influence the risk of asthma and asthma severity in children. However, the conclusions from epidemiological studies are inconsistent.

METHODS:

We used data from 960 children (aged 4-12 years) using regular asthma medication who participated in the PACMAN study. Breastfeeding exposure was based on questionnaire data and stratified into: 1) ever versus never, and 2) ≥6 versus

RESULTS:

Breastfeeding was associated with a decreased risk of asthma exacerbations; adjusted (adj.) OR: 0.55 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.35-0.87). After stratification for duration of breastfeeding the adj. ORs were 0.48 (95% CI: 0.27-0.84) for duration

CONCLUSION:

In a pediatric population with asthma, children who had been breastfed had a statistically significantly lower risk of asthma exacerbations later in life compared to asthmatic children who had not been breastfed. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.