Exposure To "Dirt" Shows No Effect On The Development Of Asthma In Children

Main Category: Respiratory / Asthma
Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 27 Feb 2010 - 0:00 PDT

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Exposure to certain environmental factors in early life showed no effect on the development of asthma, according to a study presented at the 2010 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI).

"In an earlier study, we found that infants were exposed to high levels of endotoxin and allergens (mite and cockroach) in their daycare centers. Therefore, we were anxious to find out, through a birth cohort study, if infants from low income families with high risk of asthma might be protected from the development of the disease," explained lead study author Vera E. V. Rullo, PhD.

In this cohort study, researchers in Brazil enrolled 104 newborns at birth. All of the children were from low-income families and were at high risk for asthma.

Allergen and endotoxin exposure, infection and breastfeeding were compared to the instances of persistent wheezing in the young children. Persistent wheezing was defined as ever wheezing treated with inhaled corticosteroids and beta-2 agonists in the past year. Also recorded were any infections of the upper or lower respiratory tract requiring antibiotics.

Additionally, dust samples were collected from the bedding and floor of the infants' bedroom with testing for endotoxin content and major allergens done. An allergy test called ImmunoCAP® was used to determine serum IgE antibodies.

At 60 months, approximately 19% of the children had persistent wheezing. However, only respiratory infection in the first 12 months of life was found to be associated with it. Analysis showed that allergen and endotoxin exposure and exclusive breastfeeding for six months showed no effect in the development of asthma.

Sensitization to a species of house dust mite called D. Pteronyssinus was found in 27% of the children but this also had no association with persistent wheezing.

Source
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

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