A recent study published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) reveals that babies who are exposed to the common cold and other viral infections in the womb may be more likely to develop asthma as children.
According to the International Business Times, researchers examined 526 German children from birth to the age of five and determined that those whose mothers had fallen ill during pregnancy were 2.3 times more likely to be diagnosed with asthma.
The source reports that test subjects who were exposed to allergens early in life also had a higher chance of developing allergic reactions to these irritants.
"In addition, these same children that had early exposure to allergens, such as house dust and pet dander, had increased odds of becoming sensitized by age five," confirmed Mitch Grayson, deputy editor of ACAAI, as noted by the news outlet. "When dust mites from the mother and child's mattresses were examined, children with high dust mite exposure yet low bacteria exposure were more likely to be allergic to dust mites than those with low mite exposure and high bacteria contact."
To reduce their babies' chances of developing irritating and potential dangerous allergies later in life, mothers should consider investing in hypoallergenic mattresses and hypoallergenic linens, which can significantly reduce the buildup of dust mites and other household pollutants.
At Allergy Be Gone, we sell a wide array of allergy solutions, including different types of allergy bedding that have proven to be successful in combating allergies. Take a look around our website today to learn more!
