Breastfeeding and its effect on the severity of acute respiratory illnesses in children under 5 years of age A single-center observational study.

Abstract

Introduction: Acute respiratory diseases are a global public health problem, mainly affecting children under five. Breastfeeding significantly protects against these diseases by strengthening the child's immune system. The study's objective was to analyze the effect of inadequate breastfeeding on the severity of acute respiratory diseases in children under 5 years of age treated at the Dr. Francisco De Icaza Bustamante Hospital from 2022-2023.

Methods: Study with an analytical level, retrospective, cross-sectional, observational, using Chi-square and Odds Ratio with a 95% confidence interval.

Results: 233 cases were included. Most babies were fed with mixed (46.8%) or exclusive (43.8%) breastfeeding, reflecting a preference for breastfeeding. Pneumonia was the most common respiratory disease (86.3%), and respiratory failure complicated 33% of cases. Exclusive breastfeeding reduces respiratory complications and the need for respiratory support.

Conclusions: Exclusive breastfeeding reduces respiratory complications, while pneumonia is the leading cause of hospitalization in children under five years of age.