Role of Breastfeeding in Protection Against Respiratory Tract Infections

Introduction

Leading causes of morbidity and hospitalization in newborns and kids are infectious illnesses, notably respiratory tract infections. Breastfeeding is one of the factors that shield infants from respiratory diseases. Breastfeeding has frequently been advocated as a defense against respiratory tract infections in the first year of life. Breastfed infants are protected from respiratory tract infections (RTIs), although it is unclear if this protection continues as the child ages. According to some research, protection declines shortly after weaning, while others discovered that it lasts at least two or more years. In addition, nursing offers a dose-dependent defense against respiratory tract infections; the longer the breastfeeding exclusivity period, the better the defense.

Why Should Breastfeeding Be Done to Protect Against Respiratory Tract Infections?

Various research has found that breastfeeding's protective effects against multiple infections and diseases. Breast milk contains a variety of antibacterial agents, anti-inflammatory compounds, and elements that develop the immune system. During the breastfeeding phase, it improves the infant's underdeveloped immune system. In addition, it develops defenses against infectious and other agents. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests breastfeeding only for the first six months of life, followed by breastfeeding and supplemental feeding. It has been discovered that the advantages are dose-dependent and connected to breastfeeding duration.

What Risk Factors Influence Respiratory Tract Infections?

Till the child is only one year of age, the incidence of respiratory tract infections ranges from 3.4 to 32.1 %. One of the elements that protect infants from respiratory diseases is breastfeeding. Nursing has been shown to protect children living in underdeveloped nations against respiratory illnesses. The clinical and socioeconomic risk factors for respiratory tract infections have been examined and confirmed in many types of research:

• Birth weight.

• Gestational age.

• Socioeconomic position.

• Ethnicity.

• The number of siblings.

• Daycare attendance.

• Parental smoking.

What Is the Importance of Breastfeeding in the Protection Against Respiratory Tract Infections?

The research discovered that exclusive and prolonged breastfeeding reduced the frequency of respiratory tract infections. Nursing for a lengthy period is protective against respiratory tract illnesses in the first year of life. It has also been hypothesized that breast milk's effects on a baby's immune system may last long after the baby is weaned since it not only confers passive immunity but also, over time, helps the immune system mature. In addition, breastfeeding may help prevent type 1 diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease in adults. Thus, it would also help prevent respiratory tract infections for longer than the first year of life.

What Kind of Respiratory Tract Infections Can Be Prevented by Breastfeeding?

The following conditions occur more frequently in children who have not been adequately breastfed:

1. Severe cold.

2. Ear infection.

3. Throat illness.

4. Pneumonia.

5. Bronchitis.

What Is the Duration of Breastfeeding to Prevent Respiratory Tract Infections?

Breastfeeding's beneficial effects during the first three months of life are still unknown. Also, children under three months old receive either no protection at all or protection that is less. However, exclusively breastfed infants during their first four months have a protective impact over those not. In addition, the duration of breastfeeding appears to affect protection; those who were breastfed for less than four months have a higher risk of hospitalization for infectious diseases in their first year of life compared to those who were breastfed for more than four months. Additionally, compared to infants who are breastfed for six months or longer, those who were breastfed for four to six months have an increased risk of pneumonia and recurrent otitis media.

Does Maternal Smoking Affect Infants’ Respiratory Tract?

The interference of nicotine in the relationship between maternal smoking and respiratory problems appears to be related. Maternal smoking increases the chance of the infant contracting a viral respiratory infection. As a result, children of smokers are more likely to experience the following conditions:

• Severe respiratory tract infection.

• Mortality.

• Morbidity.

• SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

• Wheezing.

• Asthma.

What Is the Protective Mechanism of Breastfeeding?

The protection from respiratory tract infection provided by nursing is dose-dependent; the longer the exclusive breastfeeding period, the greater the protection. Breastfeeding's protective impact against illnesses of the gastrointestinal system is more substantial. The theory of immunity explains that breastmilk contains a variety of defensive substances, such as

• Immunoglobulins.

• Lactoferrin.

• Lymphocytes.

The immunoglobulins taken during nursing offer immediate protection from germs in the gastrointestinal system because the IgA (immunoglobulin G) instantly binds them to breast milk. On the other hand, ingested immunoglobulins are absorbed via the intestinal mucosa and travel to different locations through the bloodstream to protect against infections localized in other body sites.

Which Medications Can Mothers Take While Breastfeeding to Treat an Upper Respiratory Infection?

Inhaling virus-carrying droplets through the cough or sneeze of an infected individual, contacting the mouth, nose, or eyes after coming into contact with something contaminated (exposed to the virus), can cause respiratory tract infections in children. Safe medicines for breastfeeding mothers are oral decongestants such as Pseudoephedrine and Phenylephrine. These medications are used to alleviate nasal congestion brought on by colds, allergies, and sinus infections. Both components are frequently found in over-the-counter medicines and are considered safe while nursing. Other natural remedies to cure a cold include:

• Obtain enough clear drinks, warm water, and clear liquids.

• Take a steaming, hot shower.

• Assist in breaking up nasal and chest congestion.

• Make use of a humidifier.

• Take adequate sleep and rest.

• Use a saline nasal spray.

Conclusion:

Children under five frequently require hospitalization due to viral respiratory tract infections (VRI). Respiratory tract infections in preschool-aged children are related to breastfeeding for six months or longer. However, nursing continues to have a preventative effect against respiratory tract infections after infancy. Breastfeeding continues to be a key component of illness prevention, and its preventive impact has grown over time. However, breastfeeding while moms are contagious may increase the risk of transmission, substituting for more direct contact. Thus, caregivers should take care of their help as well during breastfeeding. As a result, symptomatic mothers have to properly wash their hands with soap and water before contacting their kids. They should also use tissues to cover their mouths and noses when they cough or sneeze beside the infant.