Family structure, neonatal infection, and hay fever in adolescence.

1996234 citationsJournal Articlebronze Open Access

Authors

David P. Strachan · St George's, University of London

EM Taylor · St George's, University of London

R. G. Carpenter · St George's, University of London

Abstract

The association of hay fever with family structure is not due to reporting bias and reflects an environmental influence on allergic sensitisation. The effects of sibship size, birth order, and infant feeding are consistent with a protective influence of postnatal infection. The first month of life and the first postnatal exposure to allergen are not the critical periods during which this protective effect is determined.

Topics & Keywords

Asthma and respiratory diseases Allergic Rhinitis and Sensitization Pediatric health and respiratory diseases

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Good health and well-being

Publication Details

Published in: Archives of Disease in Childhood

Volume 74, Issue 5, pp. 422-426

DOI: 10.1136/adc.74.5.422

Field-Weighted Citation Impact: 6.83