Washington [USA], Jul 25 (ANI): According to the first global study, exposure to food allergies during pregnancy is linked to asthma and late lung function in childhood. The study, led by the Murdoch Children's Research Institute and published in Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, found that early food allergies were linked to higher rates of asthma and reduced lung growth at age six. Murdoch Children's Associate Professor Rachel Peters said this was the first study to examine the link between confirmed food allergies in childhood and asthma and poor lung health later in childhood. The Melbourne study involved 5276 infants from the HealthNuts study, who underwent physical examinations for common food items, including peanuts and eggs and oral food challenges to test for food allergies. At six years of age, the children were followed up with food allergy screening and lung function tests. The study found that at the age of six, 13.7% reported a diagnosis of asthma. Babies with food allergies are almost four times more likely to develop asthma by age six, compared to children without food allergies. The effect is greater in children whose food allergies persist until they are six years old, unlike adults with their allergies. Children with food allergies can also have reduced lung function. Associate Professor Peters said childhood food allergies, whether diagnosed or not, are associated with poor respiratory outcomes in children. "This agreement is important because reduced lung capacity in childhood is associated with health problems in youth, including respiratory and cardiovascular problems," he said. "The development of the lungs is linked to the height and weight of the child, children with allergies may be shorter and lighter than their peers without allergies. This may explain the link between food allergies and lung function. There is also a similar immune response associated with the development of food allergies and asthma."  “The growth of babies with food allergies should be monitored. We encourage children with food allergies to see a nutritionist so that nutrition can be monitored to ensure healthy growth. .  Food allergies affect 10% of babies and 5% of children and teenagers. Suba Slater's son, Zane, 15, is allergic to eggs, sesame and peanuts and suffers from asthma. "As a newborn, he developed eczema on his back. I thought because I was breastfeeding, there was something in my diet that was causing the rash," she said. "We took him to the hospital for an examination, which showed a lot of food poisoning."  Suba said she didn't know much about the link between food allergies and asthma before Zane's diagnosis. "We are very focused on being vigilant around food allergies as our eldest also has allergies," she said. It is very important that this link is shown by this research and that parents and health professionals are aware of it. After we found out that Zane had food allergies, we had no idea that asthma care wasn't on our radar. “In hindsight, he probably had asthma long before we heard he was having trouble breathing. If we had known about the organization, we would have sought medical help sooner. Suba said Zane had participated in many food challenges at Murdoch Children's, but his asthma made it difficult at times to participate. "By participating in the food challenge, we have noticed that Zane is now able to tolerate eggs in cooked products and some seeds more and has learned to include these foods in his diet," he said. "But before it is hard, it is required to pass with the best Pernomenic's jobs if an Allergic meal. There are times when meeting because his strong energy." "  Professor Mord not for children at the University of Melbourne, the Shyamali, said the results will help patients to care for patients and encourage most healthy and breathing. Children with food allergies should see an immunologist or allergy specialist for ongoing care and education. Professor Dharmage said that doctors and parents should also be vigilant about asthma symptoms in children with malnutrition, because uncontrolled asthma is a risk factor for allergic reactions. Food causes and anaphylaxis.