Did you know that being born in autumn or winter could be associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis in Finland? A new study conducted by the University of Eastern Finland, the University of Helsinki, and Helsinki University Hospital has shed light on the connection between season of birth and airway allergies. Surprisingly, being born in summer was linked to the lowest incidence of asthma and allergic rhinitis.
Lead researcher, Professor Sanna Salmi, explains, “When comparing birth season to summer, we found a significant association with allergic rhinitis for all other seasons, with autumn and winter specifically linked to asthma.” This discovery raises questions about the impact of seasonal variation in light levels, vitamin D metabolism, vegetation, and air pollution on allergenicity and immunological responses.
Past research in Finland has shown that individuals born in winter or spring are at a higher risk of developing asthma later in life. Building on this knowledge, the new study analyzed data from 74,868 patients in the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa (HUS) between 2005 and 2019. The results revealed varying proportions of asthma and allergic rhinitis across different birth seasons, further highlighting the seasonal influence on these conditions.
Published in Clinical and Translational Allergy, the study aimed to explore the association between season of birth and airway allergies, including NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease, asthma, allergic rhinitis, and chronic rhinosinusitis. While the findings provide valuable insights, Professor Salmi emphasizes the need for additional research in larger cohorts to confirm these early life events’ impact on chronic rhinosinusitis and NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease.
