A new study conducted by the European Respiratory Society suggests that bacteria-containing dust found at day care centers could potentially increase the risk of asthma in children. The researchers collected dust samples from 103 day care facilities in Paris, France and analyzed them in a lab to identify the bacteria present. They also asked parents of 515 children about any respiratory issues their children may have experienced. Shockingly, one of the types of bacteria found was linked to a higher risk of wheezing, which is often a precursor to asthma in children under 3 years old.
The average age of the children in the study was 2 years old. Dr. Annabelle Bédard, a researcher at Inserm, presented the findings at the European Respiratory Society International Congress. According to Bédard, bacteria and other microbes can be found everywhere, including outside, inside our homes, on our skin, and even inside our bodies. These communities of bacteria, known as microbiota, can have both beneficial and harmful effects on our health. Bédard believes that young children come into contact with bacteria in day care centers through their skin, mouths, and by breathing them in. This exposure may impact the development of their lungs through the different microbiota present in their airways, gut, or skin.
This study highlights the need for further investigation into indoor air quality at day care centers. Bédard believes that understanding factors such as cleaning and ventilation practices, as well as indoor air quality, could help improve conditions and inform public health strategies for preventing chronic respiratory diseases like asthma in children.
The researchers plan to monitor the health of the children in the study to determine if any develop asthma as they grow older. Dr. Steven Abelowitz, founder and medical director of Coastal Kids Pediatrics, reviewed the findings and noted that while some of the bacteria found in the study are common, others are less common. He emphasized that there is still much to learn about these complex bacteria types and how our bodies respond to them.
Abelowitz also mentioned that wheezing is not always a sign of asthma and that other factors, such as family history of allergies, asthma, and eczema, should be considered. Some studies have even suggested that day care attendance in early childhood may be inversely associated with wheezing and asthma.
To minimize the risk of wheezing and other lung issues in children attending day care facilities, Abelowitz recommends keeping all rooms clean and well-ventilated, as well as consistently monitoring indoor air quality. He stressed the need for more studies to explore the potential associations between these complex bacteria communities and long-term lung issues in children. From a pediatrician’s perspective, it is important to choose childcare programs with low child-to-teacher ratios, small group sizes, well-trained staff, age-appropriate curriculum, and a safe environment.
In conclusion, this study raises concerns about the potential risks associated with bacteria-containing dust in day care centers. Further research is needed to fully understand the impact of these bacteria on children’s health and to develop strategies for prevention and intervention.
