Asthma is definitely on the rise. The American Lung Association has published data indicating that asthma occurrence has increased from 34 cases per 1,000 people to 56 cases in 1,000 people between 1982 and 1999. In other words, in less than 20 years, the incidence of asthma almost doubled! The situation is much more startling in Australia, where as much as 25 percent of children are asthmatic.
One hypothesis for this trend is that increasing exposure to environmental allergens is acting as a catalyst to increasing asthma. A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine show that environmental factors are contributing to higher rates of asthma and allergy, even without a family history of allergy. This theory seems to explain part of the trend, but can’t explain all of it. While the greatest increases in asthma incidence are in developed countries (with concurrent higher levels of airborne pollution), the rates are increasing even in urban settings. So, ongoing research is also looking at the immune system in early life.
Another interesting line of research is looking into maternal depression and anxiety disorders and allergies in children. Apparently, if a child’s mother has depression or anxiety, the child is 67 percent more likely to have allergies! This trend is related to genetics, as the correlation only held true for biological children of depressed mothers. Researchers believe that the relationship could have to do with mitochondrial DNA which is passed directly from mother to child.
One thing that remains clear: regardless of all other factors, if you want your child to have the best possible chance to avoid asthma and allergies, breastfeed! Research clearly shows a benefit to your child and a reduction in the incidence of asthma and allergy. The longer the child is breastfed, the greater the benefit as well. Since the World Health Organization now recommends breastfeeding to 2 years of age or beyond, mothers now have another reason to consider extended breastfeeding for their children. Breastmilk continues to provide nutrition and immune support for the duration that your child continues to nurse.
