Environmental risk factors for respiratory infections

In this study, the authors investigated the possible relationship between e nvironmental-including dietary-factors and respiratory and ear infections i n children. A sample of 304 children, aged 45 y, in Geneva, Switzerland, wa s studied. Mothers filled out a questionnaire that the authors provided,The questionnaire included it ems on food frequency, infections, and backgroun d factors (e.g., education, housing conditions, parents' smoking habits). A llergy was a risk factor for all infections, and mother's age was a protect ive factor. Humid conditions at home was a significant risk factor for cold , sore throat, and otitis (odds ratios = 2.71, 3.03, and 2.77, respectively ); mold in the home was a significant risk factor for otitis (odds ratio = 2.80); and attending day-care centers was a significant risk factor for col d and bronchitis (odds ratios = 1.36 and 1.89, respectively). Dietary facto rs were not related to disease risk nor were environmental tobacco smoke or housing conditions generally related to an increased risk.