A recent study has found that there could be a link between the chemical BPA, which is found in plastics, and the risk of developing asthma in children. BPA is found in many plastic containers, as well as liners for food cans, and has been connected to several health concerns in the past such as breathing conditions and behavioural problems. Now, a study from the Columbia University has found that children who are exposed to this chemical early in life may have an increased risk of developing asthma. During a study which involved 568 mothers, researchers found that wheezing and other asthma symptoms were increased in a number of cases – this was even after other factors such as second-hand smoking were taken into consideration.
Researcher state that there is no conclusive proof as of yet, as well as it only being an association rather than a cause, but the risk is there which could lead to health concerns for young children. Asthma is an inflammatory disease which affects the ability to breathe – irrtitants in the windpipe and lungs cause the body to attack and create an anti-inflammatory reaction which causes the bronchial tubes to constrict. If it isn’t treated correctly, it can be fatal. Pollen, dust and mould spores are all such irritants which can increase the risk of an asthma attack. If you want to reduce your risk of having an attack, be sure to keep your home as dust free as possible and let fresh air to flow through the home to rid it of mould or damp. In addition to this, getting plenty of exercise is important to increase the lung capacity and improve breathing. Of course, you should be careful with this as too much can have an adverse effect. If you think you may be at risk of developing asthma, or you need more advice about which exercises are suitable for your level of asthma, speak to your GP.
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