Pollen exposure during pregnancy increases the risk of asthma in babies

Washington: Children born at the peak of the grass pollen season in October and December are more likely to develop respiratory diseases such as asthma.

Led by La Trobe University, a team of local (MACS study) and international (COPSAC2000 and LISAplus) researchers analyzed cord blood collected from hundreds of babies born in Melbourne, Denmark and Germany.

They found that people born during the peak grass pollen season in both hemispheres had high levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the umbilical cord blood – a marker used to predict the development of allergic diseases.

The principal investigator, Bircan Erbas of the School of Psychology and Public Health at The Trobe, said that the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of exposure to high grass pollen during pregnancy and shortly after birth.

"We know that outdoor exposure to pollen during the first two months after birth can lead to allergic respiratory diseases and we have suspected that exposure during the later stages of pregnancy could also be important," said Erbas.

"Many studies have shown that babies with high levels of IgE in the cord blood can develop allergies later in childhood, but little is known about how these levels are affected by exposure to pollen in utero. " The researchers found high levels of IgE in babies born in October and December in Melbourne.

Erbas added, "We found that these IgE levels were lower in babies, a significant finding and the potential development of an awareness barrier.
However, additional research is needed and we are currently working on studies to identify specific risk periods of pollen exposure during pregnancy on asthma and allergies in children. "

She pointed out that the study did not indicate that all babies born during a high pollen season would develop respiratory disease or other allergies.

"The study provides new information that could help us predict and manage diseases such as asthma, which represent a significant burden to public health." However, it is important to remember that several factors can find out about the puzzle, "added Erbas.

The complete results are published in the journal Environment International.

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