Asthma in young children is a common condition, affecting up to one in five. It often presents as coughing, shortness of breath, and recurrent respiratory infections.
Researchers have long suspected that part of the explanation may already be found during pregnancy.
A new study published in Cell Reports Medicine and reported in a press release from Ritzau shows that infants may exhibit differences in their airways early in life.
As early as one month of age, variations in bacteria and immune responses can be measured.
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These differences are associated with how often the child develops infections, which in turn may increase the risk of asthma later on.
Not all are affected equally
The study is based on data from several hundred mothers and children who were followed for up to ten years.
Researchers compared blood samples taken during pregnancy with the children’s health outcomes.
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Some children experience a reduced risk of asthma, while others are not affected.
This suggests that prevention may need to be tailored to the individual rather than applied uniformly.
Fatty acid molecule
Although the researchers cannot yet apply the findings directly in practice, they point to a possible explanation.
A specific fatty acid molecule, known as 12-HETE, appears to play a role.
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Children of mothers who did not have this molecule in their blood during pregnancy more often developed asthma and had more respiratory infections.
Conditions during the fetal stage may therefore have significant implications for a child’s health.
Sources: Ritzau and Cell Reports Medicine.
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