Being born premature means that it is possible for the baby to have some disadvantages when compared to a full-term child. One of the main difficulties the baby faces is the immaturity of the lungs and respiratory consequences.
According to new research, based on a systematic review and a meta-analysis of 30 studies involving a total of 1.5 million children, premature babies have a higher risk of asthma in childhood.
Specifically, they found that those born before the 37th week of gestation were 46 percent more likely to develop asthma and wheezing disorders during childhood than those born at term.
As more premature they are, more immaturity of the respiratory system and greater risk of asthma. They found that children born before week 32 are almost three times more likely to develop the disease.
The researchers emphasize that the pulmonary consequences of premature birth tend to persist throughout life.
There is conclusive evidence that premature delivery, particularly very premature birth, increases the risk of asthma.
Preterm birth has increased markedly in recent years, as has asthma in children, currently being the most common disease in childhood.
