A recent study published in the latest issue of PLoS Medicine examines the link between preterm birth and asthma. According a HealthDay News press release published on Thursday, March 13, children born at less than 37 weeks' gestation are 70 percent more likely to develop asthma than full-term babies. The source reports that this is merely an association and that it does not prove cause and effect.
"Worldwide, more than 11 percent of babies are born preterm," said lead author Dr. Aziz Sheikh of Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston in a press statement. "As asthma is a chronic condition, our findings underscore the need to improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the association between preterm birth and asthma or wheezing disorders in order to develop preventive and therapeutic interventions."
WebMD reports that asthma is the number one chronic illness among children in the United States, affecting more than one out of every 10. If untreated, asthma can be serious and potentially fatal, so it's imperative that parents watch out for symptoms of this chronic respiratory disease. These symptoms may include:
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Fatigue
• Frequent coughing
• Lack of energy
• Loss of appetite
• Rapid breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Tightness in the chest
• Wheezing.
If your child suffers from asthma, the good news is that there are actions you can take around the house to keep his or her symptoms to a minimum. At Allergy Be Gone, we sell hypoallergenic bedding and an allergen air purifier that work to reduce exposure to household irritants. Browse our website today to learn more.
