Scorpios Get More Asthma, but Astrology Isn’t to Blame

[groovedaddy]

How, when and where a child is born may all play a role in lifetime asthma risk, new studies suggest.

Asthma occurs when airways in the lungs spasm and swell, restricting the supply of oxygen. The incidence of asthma in the United States has risen steadily for more than two decades, and about 6 percent of children now have asthma, up from less than 4 percent in 1980, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The reasons for the increase are not entirely clear. Genetics probably plays a role in the risk for asthma, but an array of environmental factors — pollen, dust, animal dander, mold, cockroach feces, cigarettes, air pollution, viruses and cold air — have all been implicated in its development.

This month, The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine is reporting that children born in the fall have a 30 percent higher risk for asthma than those born in other seasons. The finding is based on a review of birth and medical records of over 95,000 children in Tennessee.

A possible explanation is that autumn babies tend to be about 4 months old at the peak of cold and flu season. By that age, many babies are in day care and regularly exposed to the outside world.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/09/health/research/09asthma.html?em

[emilyg]

1. Interesting.

Two of my family members born Jan. and Feb. have asthma - so not sure if right.

[Heddi]

2. um...

the article didn't say anything about people NOT being born in the Fall being immune from Asthma. Rather, that people born in the fall may be more inclined to get asthma.

Not sure how your comment of "so not sure if right" because 2 of your non-fall-born Family members have Asthma has anything to do with the article.

[emilyg]

3. Does it really matter? Just a comment from me.

[Orrex]

4. I know a life-long smoker who doesn't have lung cancer

You know all of that stuff about cigarettes-cause-cancer?

So not sure if right.