Everything About Allergy

While staying germ-free can prevent the spread of disease and infections, are cleaner lifestyles responsible for the rise of allergies in children today?

“It’s called the hygiene hypothesis,” says Marc McMorris, M.D., a pediatric allergist at the University of Michigan Health System. “We’ve developed a cleanlier lifestyle, and our bodies no longer need to fight germs as much as they did in the past. As a result, the immune system has shifted away from fighting infection to developing more allergic tendencies.”

The body’s immune system is designed to fight infections, but also recognizes foreign substances as allergens. The use of vaccines and antibiotics has eased the immune system of the burden of fighting.

Even our homes have changed how our immune system functions. Air tight doors and windows - designed to save energy - have created an increased concentration of indoor allergens.

“The natural immune system does not have as much to do as it did 50 years ago because we’ve increased our efforts to protect our children from dirt and germs,” says McMorris.

He advises parents to just let kids be kids. Let them play outside and with friends, and don’t worry about them coming into contact with dirt and germs. But always be cautious with children with life-threatening food allergies, he cautions.

(Source)

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