West Australian researchers have made a breakthrough in preventing asthma in children.

The study by the University of WA and the Wal-Yan Respiratory Research Centre looked at how boosting a baby’s immunity in its first winter can stop the condition from developing later in life.

Lead researcher Niamh Troy told Gareth Parker they used a medication called OM-85 to fight lung infections.

“Viral lung infections in babies, increase the risk of asthma,” she said.

“So if we can prevent lung infections in early life, maybe we can prevent asthma.”

During clinical trials they found the medication protected the babies from getting bad lung infections.

Ms Troy said asthma affects a lot of Australian kids.

“We have some of the highest rates in the world.

“We have 110,000 kids in WA with asthma.”

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