Babies born to mothers exposed to pollen are at a higher risk of developing asthma

According to recent study babies who are born to mothers who were exposed to pollen during the last trimester might be at an increased risk of developing respiratory diseases such as asthma. As per their findings, it has been shown that those born during the peak grass pollen season had high immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in umbilical cord blood a marker used to predict the development of allergic diseases.


Lead researcher Bircan Erbas said, “We know that outdoor pollen exposure during the first couple of months after birth can lead to allergic respiratory diseases and we suspected that exposure during the later stages of pregnancy may also be important. Many studies have shown that babies with high levels of IgE in cord blood can go on to develop allergies later in childhood, but little is known about how these levels are affected by exposure to pollen in utero.”


Bircan Erbas further added, “We found these babies had lower IgE levels. This was a significant finding and indicates the possible development of a sensitisation barrier. The study provides new insight that could help us predict and manage diseases like asthma which are a significant public health burden. However, it’s important to remember there are a number of factors that can determine who gets asthma or allergies. This is one piece of the puzzle.”


For the study, the team has analysed cord blood collected from hundreds of babies born in Melbourne, Denmark, and Germany.