Asthma study at McMaster

McMaster researchers have found possible links between increased caesarean sections and the rising rates of asthma.

The study, involving 24 babies, found key differences in the gut bacteria of babies born by c-section that could affect the immune system. The findings are now prompting researchers to plan for a larger study of 2,000 babies. C-sections now account for one-quarter of all births. Asthma rates have risen by about 50% every decade.