Association between breastfeeding and the development of breathing patterns in children

The aims of the present study were to evaluate the association between breastfeeding and breathing development and to investigate associations between breastfeeding duration and the breathing patterns in children. A cross-sectional study was carried out at the Institute of Integrative Medicine Professor Fernando Figueira, Recife, Brazil, with a random sample of 732 children aged between 6 and 9 years. Breastfeeding and breathing patterns were identified using a questionnaire that was filled out by mothers or guardians, and a clinical examination of the children. Data were analyzed statistically by Pearson's chi-square test at 5 % significance level. The prevalence of mouth breathing was 48 %, whereas 52 % of the children were nasal breathers. Six hundred-forty children were breastfed; 46.2 % of them were mouth breathers and 53.8 % were nasal breathers. Ninety-two children were not breastfed; 59.8 % of them were mouth breathers and 40.2 % were nasal breathers. Breastfeeding for 24 months or more, as well as exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months, was associated with the development of nasal breathing. Conclusions Extended breastfeeding was associated with correct development of the breathing pattern.