Hi all,
Just read the cover story for LIFE May 1997 entitled "An epidemic of sneezing
and wheezing" p. 76 in the Discovery section.  The article is about asthma
and allergies and mostly discusses children.  Nary a mention of
breastfeeding.  Some tidbits from the article:
Allergies attack some 40 million, double the no. from 25 yrs ago.  Asthma is
the most common chronic disease of childhood, no. 1 cause of hospitalization
and absenteeism.
"Scientists have learned that both asthma and allergies are caused by
hyperactive immune systems that in turn cause inflammation." (p. 82) and that
some researchers suspect indoor pollution, more time spent indoors is a
cause.  It discusses IgE response as well.  "After genetic predisposition,
the strongest predictor of asthma is poverty.  Crowding, indoor and outdoor
pollution, and inadequate healthcare are likely factors." (p. 89).  Rate is
22% higher in African Americans than whites.

What is the latest best info/research re bf and allergies, asthma? Send some
ammunition to me or to the list.  If you care to write:
email to [log in to unmask]
snail mail is Time Inc., Time & Life Bldg, Rockefeller Center, NY NY
10020-1393

Thanks,
Laurie Wheeler, RNC, MN, IBCLC
Louisiana BF MediaWatch