Asthma danger for winter babies
WINTER babies are more at risk of developing asthma and other lung-related problems in later life, according to a Europe-wide study.
Those with birthdays in November, December and January face a greater likelihood of having weaker lungs as adults than those born in warmer months.
Other factors which can make lungs less efficient include respiratory infections as a child, having younger siblings and having an older mother or one who smokes.
However, the chances of having stronger lungs can be boosted by having a pet as a child and having older brothers and sisters, said researchers in Norway.
Cecilia Svanes, of the University of Bergen, and colleagues analysed data on more than 12,000 people in Britain and other countries. Their report in the journal PLOS One found ‘a more rapid lung function decline was associated with season of birth’.
This was a ‘novel finding’ and ‘strong and consistent across European regions’. Possible reasons include winter babies being exposed to viral infections or allergens while in the womb or suffering a higher rate of respiratory infections in their first few months of life.
Additional factors may include low vitamin D levels in the mother, which could raise the chances of ‘childhood wheeze and asthma’.
Dr Svanes said: ‘It is logical that early life development also affects the systems that maintain our body and repair damage.’
Stress factors, such as smoking or air pollution, could bring out any weakness. ‘Smoking is dangerous for everyone but these people are far more vulnerable. We can also imagine they would be particularly vulnerable to factors such as air pollution,’ added Dr Svanes.
Older mothers could be more likely to have children with poorer lung function because they are more likely to have emergency complications or Caesarean sections which can affect the growing child’s immune system.
The study examined data on children aged nine to 11 followed up when they were 40 to 70. It measured their lung function by testing how much air was exhaled in one breath.