Risk factors Atopy Genetics (parent with asthma) Prematurity Prenatal exposure to tobacco smoke Maternal obesity during pregnancy Prenatal exposure to antibiotics Prenatal exposure to paracetamol Delivery by caesarean section Severe respiratory viral infections (e.g. with respiratory syncytial virus or rhinovirus) during infancy Exposure to moulds during infancy Exposure to outdoor air pollution during infancy Childhood overweight or obesity |
Protective factors Exposure to diverse microflora during infancy Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, vitamins, whole grains, oily fish and olive oil High fish oil intake through fish consumption or supplementation with long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids |