Reference
Gerhart, Kimberly D, et al. “Protective Effect of Breastfeeding on Recurrent Cough in Adulthood”. Thorax, vol. 73, no. 9, Sept. 2018, pp. 833–839.
Abstract
RationaleBreastfeeding protects from respiratory infections in
early life but its relationship to recurrent cough and other
respiratory outcomes in adult life is not well
established.MethodsInfant feeding practices were assessed
prospectively in the Tucson Children's Respiratory Study, a
non-selected birth cohort and categorised into formula from
birth or introduced Recurrent cough was defined at 22, 26 and 32
years as $\geq$2 episodes of cough without a cold lasting 1 week
during the past year. Covariates included participant sex,
race/ethnicity and smoking as well as parental smoking,
education, age and asthma. Covariates were evaluated as
potential confounders for the relation between infant feeding
and adult outcomes.ResultsOf the 786 participants, 19%
breastfed ConclusionLonger duration of breastfeeding reduces the
risk of recurrent cough in adult life, regardless of smoking and
other respiratory symptoms, suggesting long-term protective
effects on respiratory health.