Exclusive breastfeeding able to reduce the development of childhood asthma

Abstract

Objective: To determine the association between maternal characteristics, maternal obstetrics history, fetal chacteristics and development of childhood asthma in offspring. Methods: This was a case control study that enrolled children visiting the pediatric polyclinic of Rumah Sakit TNI-AD Padangsidimpuan, Indonesia starting from June to December 2015. Childhood asthma was diagnosed by spirometry. Breastfeeding history were taken by history taking. Data were analyzed by SPSS with p<0.05 as significant value. Results: A total of 130 children were included in this study. The children analyzed in both groups had similar age (p=0.232), 20.5±12.2 months and 25.4±13.9 months. No differences were found in maternal characteristics, maternal obstetrics history, and fetal characteristics between both groups, except the history of breastfeeding (p=0.002). Conclusion: Of all maternal characteristics, maternal obstetrics history, and fetal characteristics, only exclusive breastfeeding was associated for development of childhood asthma in offspring.