Lifestyle and the Respiratory Health of Children

Abstract

This article offers a review of the potential influences of personal lifestyle on respiratory health in children, looking at both healthy individuals and those with respiratory disorders. As with many aspects of health, regular physical activity, an appropriate diet, and avoidance of obesity and cigarette smoke all contribute to optimal development of the healthy child. An active lifestyle is associated with greater static and dynamic lung volumes, greater efficiency of the ventilatory process, and an optimization of breathing patterns. The risk of upper respiratory infections is also reduced in those maintaining a moderate level of physical activity. Maternal smoking during pregnancy, as well as active and passive smoking, all have an adverse influence on lung function in the child, the largest effects being on dynamic lung volumes. The risk of developing asthma seems reduced in children who maintain a normal body mass and are physically active. A program of graded physical activity is of therapeutic value in a number of established respiratory conditions, including asthma, cystic fibrosis, and ventilatory impairment from neuromuscular disorders. Exercise carries a slight risk of fatalities from asthma and anaphylactic reactions. In designing an optimal physical activity program, it is also important to guard against the hazards of deep oronasal breathing, including the precipitation of bronchospasm by the inhalation of cold, dry air and pollens; an increased exposure to atmospheric pollutants (reducing and oxidant smog, fine and ultra-fine particulates, and carbon monoxide); and possible long-term dangers from chlorine derivatives in the atmosphere of indoor swimming pools.

Lifestyle and Lung Health in Children and Adolescents: Children’s Way of Life and Their Respiratory Health

“…In the present issue of American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, Roy J. Shephard gives an overview of how different lifestyle factors influence the respiratory health of children. 1 Their Respiratory Health former, he shows how physical activity (aerobic training) may modify ventilation pattern, which may be of special importance for children with chronic lung disorders and reduced lung function and ventilation pattern. The ability to perform physical activity is closely related to respiratory function.…”

“…In the present issue of American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, Roy J. Shephard gives an overview of how different lifestyle factors influence the respiratory health of children. 1 He covers physical activity, diet, and avoidance of obesity and smoking. He gives a comprehensive review of the literature, and his conclusions are important for primary care physicians and pediatricians, caring for children and adolescents and giving advice about lifestyle to their parents.…”