Early Respiratory Infections and Childhood Asthma
Several previous studies have suggested that infections early in life may protect against asthma. This study contradicts previous findings, and even goes further to conclude that early infections increase the risk of asthma. I have a feeling that we are going to see this issue bounced back and forth for the next several years. There are some things to consider with the results of this study. The author does not mention how those early infections were treated. Previous studies have identified a link between childhood antibiotic use and asthma. If a majority of these children were treated with antibiotics for their infections, this may be where the link lies and not with the infection itself. I truly believe that childhood infections that are allowed to “run their course” helps to strengthen an infants’ health.
