The risk of asthma among babies with food allergies is more than four times the rate of other children, a world-first study has found.

The study by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute found babies with food allergies are far more likely to develop asthma as children, even if they outgrow their allergy.

Press PLAY to hear more about the connection between allergies and lung conditions

“Genetics and family history definitely play a role but the environment also plays a role as well,” Murdoch Children’s Research Institute Epidemiologist Associate Professor Rachel Peters said.

“On average children with allergies did have poorer lung function, but there’s a range of causes.”