Over the last two decades in the United States, asthma has become increasingly common among children, with air pollution, exposure to tobacco smoke, and decreased exposure to viral infections in early childhood suggested as causes of this upswing. At the same time, the number of overweight children has dramatically increased. Could the rise in asthma cases also be linked to the increasing number of overweight kids?
Researchers from the University of California examined previously published studies for evidence of a relationship between childhood overweight and asthma. Out of 402 studies, they identified 12 that specifically examined how childhood weight might be linked to a person's future risk of asthma.
By examining the results of four of the studies together, researchers determined that being overweight during childhood increased the risk of developing asthma by 50%. Babies who had high birth weights also had a slightly higher risk of developing asthma, based on the results of nine of the studies.
The researchers suggest that a person's diet, gastroesophageal reflux (a condition that causes vomiting, fussiness, and spitting up in infants or young children), hormones, allergies, or physical problems associated with obesity might be some of the factors responsible for the increased risk of asthma in overweight children, but they conclude that more research is needed to understand their role.
What This Means to You. For most children, asthma can be well controlled and the incidence of asthma flare-ups and symptoms can be reduced with proper management of the disorder. If your child has asthma, it's important to identify and control asthma triggers; anticipate and prevent asthma flare-ups; take medications as prescribed; control flare-ups by following the doctor's written, step-by-step plan; and learn more about asthma, new medications, and treatments. And, as the results of this study suggest, helping your child keep his or her weight under control may also be important. Work with your child's doctors to take these steps toward more effective asthma management.
Source: V. Flaherman; G.W. Rutherford; Archives of Disease in Childhood, April 2006.
Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: April 2006
