How does the season of birth influence the risk of asthma and allergic rhinitis?

In a recent letter written to the editor of Clinical and Translational Allergy , Finnish researchers report that season of birth likely impacts an individual’s future risk of developing airway allergy and related diseases. Study: Being born in autumn or winter is associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis in Finland . Image Credit: Halfpoint / Shutterstock.

com Does your season of birth affect disease risk? In countries that experience intense variations in sunlight exposure throughout the year, the likelihood of certain non-communicable diseases is believed to be associated with the season of birth. In fact, one recent study reported the existence of an association between adult-onset asthma and season of birth in Finland. Nevertheless, these studies have produced mixed results.

Although some studies have reported that being born in the summer and fall seasons is associated with an increased risk of allergic rhinitis, other studies have reported an association between being born in the summer and spring months and a higher likelihood of developing asthma. About the study Researchers conducted a broader examination of the association between the season of birth and allergies of the respiratory system, including allergic rhinitis, asthma, non-allergic rhinitis, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) exacerbated respiratory disease (N-ERD), and chronic rhinitis with and without nasal polyps. Follow-up data were obtained from Finland’s health registry for patients who .