Exposure to Cold, Flu During Pregnancy Increases Chances of Asthma in Babies

A recent study reveals that common cold and exposure to allergens during pregnancy increase chances of developing asthma in newborns.

Researchers at the American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, ACAAI, say in their latest study that external influences affect the in-utero environment, aggravating chances of asthma and allergic syndromes in newborns.

"We know that allergy and asthma can develop in the womb since genetics play a factor in both diseases," said Michael Foggs, president of ACAAI, in a press release, reported in medical express. "But this study sheds light about how a mother's environment during pregnancy can begin affecting the child before birth."

The researchers studied 513 pregnant women and their 526 children in Germany. The parents and the babies were examined at 3 months, 12 months and till age five.

The results showed that women during pregnancy are more susceptible to allergens and transmit them to the fetus.

"In addition, these same children that had early exposure to allergens, such as house dust and pet dander, had increased odds of becoming sensitized by age five," said  Mitch Grayson, an allergist. "When dust mites from the mother and child's mattresses were examined, children with high dust mite exposure yet low bacteria exposure were more likely to be allergic to dust mites than those with low mite exposure and high bacteria contact."

However, the researchers have not completely discarded the hereditary factors that also cause asthma and allergy in infants. If both the parents have allergies, 75 percent of the infants born are allergic, according to ACAAI. If one parent or any close relative has asthma, there are 35-40 percent chances of the children being asthmatic. If none of the parents have either allergy or asthma, the children have 10-15  percent chances of developing either of the diseases.

Premature births also increase chances of asthma, according to a recent study.