Breastfeeding nearly halves the risk of an asthma attack

Breastfeeding alters the gut microbiome, which influences the immune system
There is no association between breastfeeding and poor asthma control
Further studies are required to ascertain and clarify the study’s findings
Researchers from the University of Amsterdam analysed 960 young patients
Asthma is a long-term condition that impacts the airways and affects 5.4million

By Alexandra Thompson Health Reporter For Mailonline

Published: 15:02 BST, 4 September 2017 | Updated: 15:02 BST, 4 September 2017

Breastfeeding nearly halves the risk of an asthma attack, new research reveals.

Young sufferers who were fed naturally are 45 per cent less likely to experience uncontrollable wheezing, coughing and breathlessness, a study found.

This is thought to be due to breastfeeding’s effect on a person’s immune system.

Senior author Dr Anke Maitland-van der Zee from the University of Amsterdam, said: ‘Changes in the composition and activity of the gut microbiome in early life can influence the immune system and these changes might indirectly lead to changes in asthma later in life.’

Asthma is a long-term condition that affects the airways. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, breathlessness and having a tight chest. There are around 5.4million asthma sufferers in the UK.

Breastfeeding nearly halves the risk of an asthma attack, new research reveals (stock)

BREASTFEEDING REDUCES THE RISK OF ENDOMETRIOSIS BY UP TO 40%

Breastfeeding reduces the risk of endometriosis by up to 40 percent, research revealed earlier this month.

Naturally feeding for a total of three or more years across a women’s life reduces her risk of developing the painful gynecological disorder by nearly 40 percent, a study found.

For every three additional months a woman breastfeeds per pregnancy, her risk of getting endometriosis is lowered by eight per cent, while exclusively feeding naturally decreases the chance of a diagnosis by 14 percent, the research adds.

This is thought to be due to hormonal changes that occur during breastfeeding as women temporarily stop having periods.

Natural feeding also alters the release of certain hormones, such as oxytocin and estrogen, which may determine a woman’s risk of the disorder.

Endometriosis occurs when tissue from the womb lining occurs elsewhere in the body. It affects approximately 10 percent of women in the US and commonly causes pelvic pain, discomfort during sex and heavy periods.

How the study was carried out

The researchers analysed 960 children aged between four and 12 years old who regularly use asthma medication.

Breastfeeding was determined via a questionnaire.

An asthma attack occurs when symptoms worsen; a sufferer becomes breathless to the point it is difficult to eat or speak; a patient feels like they cannot catch their breath; and a reliever inhaler is ineffective.

Breastfeeding reduces asthma attacks by 45%

Results reveal asthma sufferers who have been breastfed are 45 per cent less likely to suffer related attacks.

There is no association between breastfeeding and poor asthma control.

Dr Maitland-van der Zee said: ‘Although in our study breastfeeding was shown to be a protective factor for asthma exacerbations, it is still unclear whether there is a causal relation between breastfeeding and asthma exacerbations; however the relation might be explained by the influence of breastfeeding on the immune system.

‘Changes in the composition and activity of the gut microbiome in early life can influence the immune system and these changes might indirectly lead to changes in asthma later in life.

‘Further prospective research is warranted to confirm this association and to clarify the underlying mechanisms.’

The findings were published in the journal Pediatric Allergy and Immunology.

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