Asthma risk higher in babies whose mothers are exposed to pollen
Monday, September 17, 2018 IST
A new study says that babies born to mothers who were exposed to pollen during the last trimester may be at increased risk of developing respiratory diseases such as asthma.
Babies born to mothers who were exposed to pollen during the last trimester may be at increased risk of developing respiratory diseases such as asthma, says a study. The findings showed that those born during the peak grass pollen season had high immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in umbilical cord blood — a marker used to predict the development of allergic diseases.
“We know that outdoor pollen exposure during the first couple of months after birth can lead to allergic respiratory diseases and we suspected that exposure during the later stages of pregnancy may also be important,” said lead researcher Bircan Erbas, Associate Professor from La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia. “Many studies have shown that babies with high levels of IgE in cord blood can go on to develop allergies later in childhood, but little is known about how these levels are affected by exposure to pollen in utero.”
However, the study published in Environment International, also showed that being pregnant for an entire grass pollen season may have a protective effect on babies. “We found these babies had lower IgE levels. This was a significant finding and indicates the possible development of a sensitisation barrier,” Erbas said.
Erbas stressed that the study did not suggest that all babies born during high pollen seasons would develop respiratory disease or other allergies. “The study provides new insight that could help us predict and manage diseases like asthma — which are a significant public health burden. However, it’s important to remember there are a number of factors that can determine who gets asthma or allergies. This is one piece of the puzzle,” she explained
For the study, the team analysed cord blood collected from hundreds of babies born in Melbourne, Denmark and Germany.
Related Topics
Related News & Articles
Since the prostate is an organ that grows rapidly during puberty, that is why its more susceptible to carcinogenic exposure during the adolescent years.
Recently posted . 961 views . 1 min read
According to a recent study, poor oral health has been associated with the risk of several chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Recently posted . 772 views . 1 min read
London: Women who take paracetamol during pregnancy are at risk of having children with behaviour problems, warn researchers.
Recently posted . 831 views . 1 min read
The best way to protect your little one from skin infections and rashes during the monsoon is by keeping your baby clean and dry.
Recently posted . 871 views . 1 min read
Teenagers in risky environments display aggression and are more likely to turn to crime.
Recently posted . 811 views . 1 min read
Trending News & Articles
Lung cancer is usually not noticeable during the early stages. Most people are diagnosed when the disease is at an advanced stage. According to Cancer.org, it is ...
Recently posted . 8K views . 2 min read
The health benefits of wood apple include [1] relief from constipation, indigestion, peptic ulcer, piles, respiratory problems, diarrhea, and dysentery. It also b...
Recently posted . 5K views . 2 min read
Bael, also known as the “Wood Apple”, is a species native to India. The bael tree is considered to be sacred to the Hindus. A famous drink known as sh...
Recently posted . 5K views . 2 min read
Do you know what milia are? Milia is a skin condition which causes the appearance of small white hard bumps on the skin which usually appear on the face, neck or ch...
Recently posted . 5K views . 2 min read
More in Food & Health
Eating a plant-based diet not only lowers the risk of chronic conditions but also promotes weight loss and improves overall health. Here are 6 delicious foods to ...
Recently posted. 860 views . 1 min read
A robotic duck, which is currently undergoing testing, can provide comfort, help them cope with treatment, and distract them from what they’re going through.<...
Recently posted. 897 views . 1 min read
Ingredients:
1.1/2 cup Butter
2.1 cup Sugar
3.2 Eggs
4.2 cup Flour
5.2 tsp Baking powder
...
Recently posted. 1K views . 5 min read
Recently posted . 1K views
Recently posted . 127 views
Recently posted . 1K views
Recently posted . 1K views
Recently posted . 1K views . 52 min read
Recently posted . 1K views . 74 min read
The bean-shaped organs, kidneys are very vital organs in your body, responsible for performing very important functions including blood filtration, hormone producti...
Recently posted. 1K views . 1 min read
Delhi's late night food doesn't belong to some fancy hotels or restaurants instead it is from roadside stalls, dhabas, small tea huts.
...
Recently posted. 884 views . 1 min read