Background: Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) represent a significant public health concern in young children, with potential long-term consequences for their health and well-being. Exclusive breastfeeding has been postulated to have a protective effect against ARIs, but the extent of this association requires further investigations.
Objective: This research aimed to determine whether or not exclusive breastfeeding was associated with upper and lower respiratory tract infections during infancy. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was carried out in November and December 2022 at Benha University Hospital. Children with acute respiratory tract infections between 1 and 24 months were included. Children with immunocompromised states or chronic inflammatory disorders were excluded. Comprehensive medical, obstetric, maternal, familial, and perinatal records were compiled.
Results: Of the children in the study, 58% received exclusive breastfeeding, and 48% experienced acute respiratory infections. Those with acute respiratory infections had significantly lower exclusive breastfeeding rates (20.8%) compared to those without respiratory infections (92.3%). Univariate analysis indicated that higher gestational age and exclusive breastfeeding were correlated with a lower risk of acute respiratory infection. In the multivariate analysis, exclusive breastfeeding was associated with a substantial 97.6% risk reduction in acute respiratory infections.
Conclusions: The results showed a statistically significant correlation between the occurrence of ARIs and lower gestational age. It has been shown that exclusive breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of developing ARIs.