Association between History of Prolonged Exclusive Breast-Feeding and the Lung Function Indices in Childhood

Abstract

Although the propitious effects of breastfeeding on children’s health are indisputable, the impact of exclusive breastfeeding on the lung function later in life remains controversial. Our objective was to explore the possible associations between breastfeeding and the lung function of children who were exclusively breastfed for an extensive period of time. This was a cross-sectional study of children who were exclusively breastfed for more than 12 months. Demographics and anthropometric data were collected; the body mass index (BMI), % body fat, and % central obesity were calculated; and all the participants underwent standard spirometry with reversibility testing. The relationship between breastfeeding duration and spirometric parameters was assessed by Spearman’s correlation and multivariable regression, after adjustment for other confounders. Forty-six children (21 boys), aged 9.2 ± 2.4 years, with a reported breastfeeding duration of 27.5 ± 12.5 months (range 12–60 months) were included; 13% were overweight (none were obese) and 21.7% had central obesity. The average FEV1 was 104.7 ± 10.4% and the average FEF25-75 was 107.9 ± 13.3%. The duration of exclusive breastfeeding was positively correlated with FEF25-75% (r = 0.422, p = 0.003). Multivariable linear regression analysis confirmed the above finding (beta coefficient 0.478, p = 0.002), independently of age, overweight, and central obesity. No correlation was noted between the duration of breastfeeding and other spirometric parameters. In addition to its favorable impact on the metabolic profile, prolonged exclusive breastfeeding seems to exert a propitious effect on the function of smaller airways throughout childhood.

History of Risky Pregnancies and Failure of Exclusive Breastfeeding in Indonesia

“…8 Low coverage of exclusive breastfeeding is a risk factor for various nutritional and health problems in children. [23][24][25] The United Nations Children'sFund(UNICEF) states that breast milk can save infants' lives, especially in developing countries, due to the high prevalence of diarrhea and acute respiratory infections in developing countries. 9 Breast milk is the best source of nutrients that can improve the health of mothers and children.…”

Asthma and Other Respiratory Diseases of Children in Relation to Personal Behavior, Household, Parental and Environmental Factors in West China

“…Evidence from observational studies suggests that breastfeeding minimizes the pulmonary sequelae of respiratory infections, improves lung function in school-age children, and also protects lung function in children who are exposed to high levels of air pollution and passive smoking [ 23 , 25 , 26 ]. It suggests that breastfeeding appears to counteract the effects of environmental detrimental influences on lung development [ 27 ]. A birth cohort study of healthy infants found protective causal effects of exclusive breastfeeding on the risk of developing a lower respiratory tract infection in infancy and asthma and allergic rhinitis in childhood, which were mediated through interactions on the gut microbiota [ 28 ].…”

“…A birth cohort study of healthy infants found protective causal effects of exclusive breastfeeding on the risk of developing a lower respiratory tract infection in infancy and asthma and allergic rhinitis in childhood, which were mediated through interactions on the gut microbiota [ 28 ]. However, there is controversy in many studies in this field as to whether the duration of breastfeeding is associated with asthma [ 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ]. In this study, we examined whether the child was breastfed and the duration of breastfeeding.…”

Breastfeeding-Related Health Benefits in Children and Mothers: Vital Organs Perspective

“…Moreover, research has indicated that breastfeeding can help protect lung function in individuals who are exposed to high levels of air pollution [ 34 ], including passive smoking [ 35 ]. These findings suggest that breastfeeding might mitigate the negative impacts of environmental factors on the developing lungs [ 36 ].…”