May 4th is WORLD ASTHMA DAY
Research shows that a family of an asthmatic child who educate themselves about asthma and its triggers are better able to manage their child's asthma. This means less visits to hospital emergency rooms.

The hygiene hypothesis suggests that our more 'sanitized' lives may be decreasing the development of our immune system. Early childhood exposure to bacteria, parasites and other microorganisms triggers immune system development and reduces the risk of allergic disorders.

Read More...

The effects of breastfeeding on the development of childhood asthma have long been debated. Recent research from Sweden revealed that infants who were exclusively breast-fed for 4 months or longer had a 37% lower risk of developing asthma. This was after adjusting for other contributing factors.

By age 8, children who were breast-fed exclusively for at least 4 months had better lung function. This ties in with the 'hygiene hypothesis' that a stronger immune system decreases the risks for asthma.