The role of breastfeeding on the development of respiratory allergies <b>[Abstract in English]</b>

Abstract

Aims: To review the publications that investigated the association between breastfeeding and asthma in childhood. Source of data: Recent scientific publications from the databases Scielo, Lilacs and Pubmed. Publications in English, Portuguese and Spanish have been included. We have tried to review the mechanisms of allergic reactions and respiratory allergies, as well as publications related to breast milk and the protection of respiratory allergies such as asthma. Summary of findings: The allergic respiratory illnesses are constituted by asthma and allergic rhinitis, with characteristics of type I hypersensitivity, which results from the interaction of environmental allergens with specific IgE antibodies. Most of the reviews on asthma risk factors recommended exclusive breastfeeding to reduce the probability of the development of atopy and asthma in childhood. Although such opinion has been widely accepted, the results from the literature are conflicting. Conclusions: Despite the elevated number of studies published on the subject, it is not possible to conclude that breastfeeding will help to prevent sensitization to allergens in children with asthma. Nevertheless, exclusive breastfeeding must be encouraged during the first months of life because of its large well known benefits.