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It is a well known fact that human milk contains various factors that provide the infant with both passive protection against infections and components that enhance the maturation of the immune system. Breast feeding is said to reduce the incidence of infections, particularly gastrointestinal infections, in the developing countries. However, the protection that breast milk offers against allergic diseases like asthma has always been controversial. Numerous studies have been taken up to study the efficacy of breast milk against atopic diseases and various biological mechanisms via secretory immunoglobulin (Ig) A, antigens, cytokines, chemokines, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and polyamines have been suggested to achieve this.

 

An International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood (ISAAC) Phase II was done to establish the relationship between breastfeeding and wheezing, lung function and atopy. Cross- sectional studies at 27 centers across 20 countries were performed as a part of this large study. About 54,000 children between the ages of 8 to 12 were evaluated by means of parental questionnaire. Information on disease and exposure factors was collected and used to establish a correlation of breastfeeding with bronchial hyper-reactivity and lung function.

 

The researchers taking part in the study observed an inverse association between breastfeeding and wheezing, especially in the non- affluent countries. They found that breastfeeding for 6 months and exclusive breastfeeding for 2 months were associated with less incidences of wheezing in non- affluent countries. However, in affluent countries, this association was not found to be consistent. The researchers also found that the protective action of breastfeeding against childhood wheezing was limited to non-atopic wheeze, while IgE-associated wheeze and atopic sensitization were not affected. Breastfeeding was found to have a protective action early in life, but it may be associated with an increased risk of asthma in adolescents, especially in atopic children of asthmatic mothers.

 

The authors of the study concluded that breastfeeding may exert a protective or marginal effect on wheeze, depending upon whether the wheeze is atopic or non- atopic. Further research is needed on the mechanism behind this protective action and the reason behind the difference in action upon atopic and non- atopic wheeze.

 

References:

• http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/33/5/993.full.pdf

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