Does Watching Television Cause Asthma in Children?

Question: Does Watching Television Cause Asthma in Children?

Answer: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease characterized by repeated episodes of wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. It is one of the most common chronic diseases in childhood, affecting up to 10% of all children. Asthma has been on the rise increase the past 50 years, which is possibly explained in part by the hygiene hypothesis. Numerous studies also link asthma to inactivity and obesity, but it isn’t completely clear which came first: The asthma or the obesity – it’s kind of a “chicken and egg” concept.

A study published in 2009 showed an association between time spent watching television and the development of asthma. It showed that young children who watched more than 2 hours of television per day were nearly twice as likely to develop asthma by age 12 when compared to children who watched less than 2 hours of television per day. The study showed that obesity did not play a factor in the results.

Does this mean that these children were allergic to watching television? Probably not. Watching television is a sedentary activity, and similar results would likely be found for children who play more than 2 hours of video games per day, and possibly for children who read for 2 or more hours per day. Are these children sedentary because they already have asthma, and exercise worsens their asthma symptoms, so they just avoid exercise? Or, do they get asthma because they’re sedentary?

I’m not sure that the answer is completely clear, but one thing is for sure: Turn that television set off and get those kids outside to play. It’ll do them a world of good from a health standpoint, and may reduce their chance of developing asthma.

Read more about: Preventing Asthma and Allergies in Children.

_Source:

_{A Sherriff, A Maitra, A R Ness, C Mattocks, C Riddoch, J J Reilly, J Y Paton and A J Henderson. Association of Duration of Television Viewing in Early Childhood with the Subsequent Development of Asthma. Thorax 2009;64:321-325.}

_{DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this site is for educational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for personal care by a licensed physician. Please see your physician for diagnosis and treatment of any concerning symptoms or medical condition.}