Many parents worry about exposing their children to germs, bacteria and allergens, and some take extreme precautions to ensure that their family is living in sanitary conditions. However, new research published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology shows that early exposure to cat dander, household bacteria and rodent and insect allergens could make the child less susceptible to allergies and asthma later in life.
However, there is a point when exposure becomes more harmful than helpful. The scientists leading the study reported that exposure to allergens before the age of 1 was protective, while exposure after that increased the chances of suffering from asthma or allergies.
This finding adds strength to the hygiene hypothesis, which contends that the allergy and asthma rates of developed countries tend to skyrocket as the result of a much more sanitary environment. As a result of this general cleanliness, the immune system is thought to grow bored and overreact to things that are not really harmful, such as animal dander or pollen.
The study suggests that a child's immune system is formed very early on, but the scientists were careful to emphasize that the study does not constitute parenting advice but rather encourages families not to be overly afraid of germs, bacteria or allergens.
"Strict avoidance of allergens from the beginning does not protect you," one of the lead researchers told NBC News, "and early exposure in the right context may make the difference between disease and tolerance. You could say that this is the downside of cleanliness."
If you're looking for allergy solutions, contact Allergy Be Gone today and find out what we can do for you.
Related posts:
Exposure to dogs early in life may help prevent allergies and asthma
Study: Probiotic exposure early in life may reduce the risk of allergies
Introducing peanuts into infants' diets could reduce risk of peanut allergy later in life
Sucking on your baby’s pacifier may reduce risk of asthma and allergies, says study
