A recent study suggests that where and how a baby is born may affect his or her chances of developing asthma or allergies. According to researchers, if the baby was born in a hospital – and particularly if the birth was by cesarean section – their intestines were more likely to harbor a certain type of bacteria. Those 'gut bugs' may lower the child's chance of developing asthma or allergies, says the study.
While the method or place of birth could affect your child's risk of developing these conditions, the study authors caution expectant parents not to base their decisions solely on this risk. Study author John Penders, of the Netherlands' Maastricht University, was quoted by World Bulletin as saying “Our message is not that mode nor place of delivery (decisions) should be based on the potential risks on developing allergic diseases.” However, the researchers said, it is one more piece of information to add to the growing number of potential causes for rising allergy rates in kids.
The study followed 2,700 children for the first seven years of life. Shortly after birth, they were tested for specific strains of bacteria. When the children were older, the research team surveyed the parents to determine whether the child had developed asthma, food or pet allergies, or eczema. Kids who had tested positive for the bacteria as babies were more likely to develop food sensitivities or asthma by the age of seven.
It is thought that the intestinal microbes assist in the regulation of the immune system. The lack of intestinal bacteria “reduces the early stimulation of the immune system” said Dr. Peter Bager of the Statens Serum Institut in Copenhagen. According to Bager, the researchers' conclusion fits with the 'hygiene hypothesis,' which suggests that rising rates of allergies are caused by improved hygiene.
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