The impact of breastfeeding on the development of allergic diseases in children

A study conducted from January 2024 to January 2025 at the Tashkent Medical Academy and the 44th Family Polyclinic aimed to assess the impact of breastfeeding on the risk of allergic diseases in children and the mechanisms of its protective effects. A total of 187 children aged 0 to 3 years participated in the study. The primary assessment method was a survey of mothers, along with an analysis of clinical data, including skin manifestations, respiratory symptoms, and food intolerance. Children with identified neurological disorders, congenital anomalies, and severe somatic diseases were excluded from the study. The results showed that breastfeeding for six months or more significantly reduces the risk of developing allergies (p<0.05). The prevalence of atopic dermatitis among breastfed children was 12.4%, whereas among formula-fed children, it reached 34.7%. A similar trend was observed for respiratory allergies: 9.8% in breastfed children versus 27.3% in formula-fed children. A correlation was found between the duration of breastfeeding and a reduction in skin allergies (r=-0.42, p<0.01) as well as food intolerance (r=-0.36, p<0.05). Additionally, children who were breastfed for more than 12 months had lower IgE levels (p<0.05), indicating a stronger immune defense.Conclusion. Breastfeeding, particularly for six months or longer, has a pronounced protective effect, reducing the risk of allergic diseases, including skin, respiratory, and food allergies. These findings confirm the importance of natural breastfeeding as an effective allergy prevention strategy in early childhood.