C-Section Babies at Higher Risk of Allergies: Study

A latest study suggests that babies born by Cesarean section are five times more prone to develop allergies when compared to babies born naturally.

According to the latest study conducted by Henry Ford hospital in Detroit, C-section babies are more susceptible to develop allergies at the age of two when exposed to high levels of common allergens at home from various sources such as dogs, cats and dust mites.

The study evaluated the role of early exposure to allergens and how such exposure affects the link between C-section and the development of antibody Immunoglobulin E (IgE).

In order to prove the hypothesis, the study enrolled 1,258 newborn babies from 2003-2007. The newborns were evaluated on four intervals: at one month, six months, one year and two years. Researchers worked on data collected from the baby's umbilical cord and stool, father's and mother's blood samples, breast milk samples and household dust. Apart from this, they collected details on the family history of allergy or asthma, household pets, exposure to tobacco smoke, baby illness, use of any medication and aspects of pregnancy.

"This further advances the hygiene hypothesis that early childhood exposure to microorganisms affects the immune system's development and onset of allergies. We believe a baby's exposure to bacteria in the birth canal is a major influencer on their immune system," Christine Cole Johnson, Ph.D., MPH, chair of Henry Ford Department of Health Sciences and the study's lead author, said in a press statement.

She continues to state that C-section babies have certain microorganisms in their gastrointestinal tract that are susceptible to developing IgE on exposure to allergens. IgE triggers the development of allergies and asthma.

The study was presented at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology annual meeting in San Antonio.