In a recent study led by Dr. Erick Forno of Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, researchers established a link between probiotics and allergy sufferers that suggests that babies who are exposed to this type of bacteria in the womb and early in life may have a lower risk of developing allergies.
According to Reuters Health, the study examines 25 different trials in which babies where given probiotics on a daily basis and determined that those who ingested in the supplements both as fetuses and after they were born were 12 percent less likely to test positive for common allergies. Forno noted, however, that more research is required before doctors begin recommending probiotics to pregnant women.
"As nations have become more industrialized and developed, they have also become cleaner, and therefore our exposure to microbes early in life has decreased, and this has decreased infections," said Forno as reported by the source. "Our hope is that with the results from our study, researchers will move on from trying to determine 'if' probiotics help prevent allergies, and into 'how' or what the best approach may be."
Researchers continue to better understand the cause of allergies, meaning they'll subsequently be able to come up with more effective treatments for these irritating — and often debilitating — afflictions. In the meantime, allergy sufferers are encouraged to see their specialists to find out about existing medications that can help them maintain a good quality of life. Additionally, there are simple changes people can make around the house to reduce their symptoms, such as investing in hypoallergenic mattresses and other types of bedding for allergies.
