Frequency of allergic diseases in 2-year-old children in relationship to parental history of allergy and breastfeeding.

BACKGROUND: The association between breastfeeding and the risk of atopic diseases in children is controversial. While some studies support the theory of a decreased risk of asthma and allergic diseases due to breastfeeding, others have failed to confirm such a protective effect, and even suggest increased risk. The aim of this longitudinal study was to investigate the association between breastfeeding and the prevalence of atopic diseases in 2-year-old children. METHODS: Data on 1685 children from a birth cohort were collected from questionnaires completed by parents at birth and at 6, 12, and 24 months. By means of logistic regression and considering confounders such as family history and socioeconomic status, we analyzed the association between exclusive breastfeeding and the development of allergic reactions in 2-year-old children. RESULTS: Exclusive breastfeeding for >4 months was associated with an increased risk of asthma and atopic dermatitis in children without a parental history of allergic diseases (odds ratio [OR] = 1.62; 95% confidence interval [Cl], 1.02-2.56). Children whose fathers only had a history of allergic disease strongly benefited from exclusive breastfeeding for >4 months (OR = 0.39; 95%-CI: 0.18-0.83) whereas those whose mothers only had such a history had an increased risk of asthma and atopic dermatitis (OR: 2.31; 95%-CI: 1.16-4.60). CONCLUSION: In children with a family history of allergy, it seems to be important to distinguish between maternal and paternal predisposition as children whose fathers have a history of atopic disease seem to benefit most from breastfeeding for >4 months.

Efficacy of 'functional relaxation' in comparison to terbutaline and a 'placebo relaxation' method in patients with acute asthma. A randomized, prospective, placebo-controlled, crossover experimental investigation.

BACKGROUND: 'Functional relaxation' (FR) according to Marianne Fuchs is a body-oriented psychotherapy that involves teaching the patient a type of relaxation techniques aimed at maintaining equilibrium of the nervous system. METHODS: In order to determine whether the practice of elementary parts of this therapy has an immediate beneficial effect on pulmonary function, a randomized, single-blind, prospective crossover study was done with 21 asthmatics with acute bronchoconstriction. On 3 consecutive days they were given either (1) a 5-min verbal standard instruction in elementary exercises of FR (eFR), which they were to practice during subsequent bodyplethysmographic measurement or (2) inhalative terbutaline (IT), a beta(2)-sympathomimetic drug, or (3) an unspecific 'placebo relaxation' technique (PRT), so that all subjects tried all 3 treatments in random order. Spirometric variables were assessed. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in specific airway resistance with eFR, which, though not as pronounced as with IT, was significantly greater than with PRT. This study shows that clinically relevant effects can be achieved for patients with asthma through mind-body interaction, which can be triggered by reproducible procedures. CONCLUSION: Further development of the FR approach could lead to a nonpharmacological and effective supplementary treatment for asthma, which is in high demand by many patients.