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OBJECTIVE: Although breastfeeding has been suggested as a candidate for the prevention of obesity and allergies, recent studies have reported mixed results. The aim of the study was (1) to assess breastfeeding length in obese children or children with allergic diseases compared to healthy children; (2) to evaluate the impact of the duration of breastfeeding on the incidence of obesity, allergy rhinitis and asthma PATIENTS AND METHODS: 408 children were evaluated (mean age 11.9±3.7 years; M/F 220/188) and divided into three groups (Obesity, n=103; Allergy, n=163; and Healthy, n=142). Breastfeeding history was collected during an interview. Physical examination, anthropometry, allergy (skin prick test with aeroallergens; Allergopharma) and a spirometry (Jaeger) assessment were performed in each participant. RESULTS: Most of the children (75%) were breastfed with a mean duration of 7.5 months (range 0-36; SD=7.9 months). The time of breastfeeding was longer in the healthy compared to the obese and allergic groups (p=0.003) and was correlated with BMI centile in all groups of subjects (R Spearman = -0.2, p<0.05). There was a higher number of subjects with hypersensitivity to the allergen of house dust mites and animals in the non-breastfed compared to the breastfed children (p<0.003, p<0.000, respectively). Non-breastfed children compared to the breastfed presented more often asthma (chi2=3.6 df=1 p=0.05), but not allergic rhinitis (chi2=9.0 df=1 p=0.002). Non-breastfed asthmatics, compared to the breastfed asthmatics, presented a significantly higher severity of asthma (OR=0.43; p=0.008). In multivariate regression models, a short breastfeeding time was associated with a higher risk of both obesity and asthma. CONCLUSIONS: School-age children with obesity and asthma were breastfed less often and for a shorter duration than their healthy peers. Longer breastfeeding may result in a reduced number of children with obesity, asthma, and allergy to house dust mites, but further investigation is needed on a larger population of school-age children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Continuous growth in the prevalence of obstructive diseases, including asthma, has been observed in recent years. The increase is observed both in subjects not practicing any sport and in professional athletes. In the latter asthma is surely underestimated. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of asthma symptoms in athletes in region of Gdańsk (Poland). Materials and Methods: Young sportsmen from the Centre of Sport Medicine in Gdansk were included in the study between 2005 and 2006. Data were collected during routine prophylactic visits. International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (IUATLD) Asthma Questionnaire was used to evaluate the prevalence of asthma symptoms. Questionnaire was enriched by questions concerning age, gender, sports practiced, training experience, influence of physical activity, smoking, coexistence of other allergic diseases. Results: 376 athletes, including 128 females (34%) and 248 males (66%), aged 14-27 years (mean age 17 years, SD±2.71) were examined. At least one exercise-related asthma symptom was observed in 38 athletes (10.1%). The most common symptoms were: chest tightness (31.9%), dyspnoea after exercise (29.8%), cough (21.3%), wheezing (17%). Coexistence of other allergic diseases (allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis) was revealed in 46 patients (12.2%). Smoking was reported by 38 athletes (10.1%, 33 males, 5 females) including 31daily smokers (8.2%) and 7 occasional smokers (1.9%). All daily smokers reported symptoms of exercise-induced asthma. Symptoms were significantly more common in subjects under age of 18 (23 subjects - 6.1%) than older ones (15 subjects - 4.0%) (P<0.001, χ2 Pearson test=14.04) and in females compared to males (P<0.05, χ2 Pearson test = 4.79). Conclusion: Symptoms of asthma are frequent among the athletes in the northern region of Poland, particularly in subjects under 18. Smoking and other coexisting allergic factors might be associated with symptoms of asthma in athletes of Gdansk. Questionnaire studies are helpful in detection of asthma symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Continuous growth in the prevalence of obstructive diseases, including asthma, has been observed in recent years. The increase is observed both in subjects not practicing any sport and in professional athletes. In the latter asthma is surely underestimated. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of asthma symptoms in athletes in region of Gdańsk (Poland). Materials and Methods: Young sportsmen from the Centre of Sport Medicine in Gdansk were included in the study between 2005 and 2006. Data were collected during routine prophylactic visits. International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (IUATLD) Asthma Questionnaire was used to evaluate the prevalence of asthma symptoms. Questionnaire was enriched by questions concerning age, gender, sports practiced, training experience, influence of physical activity, smoking, coexistence of other allergic diseases. Results: 376 athletes, including 128 females (34%) and 248 males (66%), aged 14-27 years (mean age 17 years, SD±2.71) were examined. At least one exercise-related asthma symptom was observed in 38 athletes (10.1%). The most common symptoms were: chest tightness (31.9%), dyspnoea after exercise (29.8%), cough (21.3%), wheezing (17%). Coexistence of other allergic diseases (allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis) was revealed in 46 patients (12.2%). Smoking was reported by 38 athletes (10.1%, 33 males, 5 females) including 31daily smokers (8.2%) and 7 occasional smokers (1.9%). All daily smokers reported symptoms of exercise-induced asthma. Symptoms were significantly more common in subjects under age of 18 (23 subjects - 6.1%) than older ones (15 subjects - 4.0%) (P<0.001, χ2 Pearson test=14.04) and in females compared to males (P<0.05, χ2 Pearson test = 4.79). Conclusion: Symptoms of asthma are frequent among the athletes in the northern region of Poland, particularly in subjects under 18. Smoking and other coexisting allergic factors might be associated with symptoms of asthma in athletes of Gdansk. Questionnaire studies are helpful in detection of asthma symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]