Childhood Allergy Exposure Boosts Protection

Two European studies last month further strengthened evidence that childhood exposure to germs and environmental factors could help to boost the immune system throughout later life.

German researchers from the Institute of Epidemiology in Neuherberg found that babies exposed to a particular form of bacteria in house dust could be less likely to develop allergy-related eczema than children raised in cleaner homes. However, children in dusty homes were more likely to develop respiratory ailments in the first 6 months of life.

Meanwhile, researchers at the INSERM Unite in Paris, France suggest that growing up on a farm may protect from environmental allergies such as allergies to grass, pollen and animal hair. However, childhood on a farm was still not seen to reduce the risks of developing asthma or respiratory problems.

Both studies support the so-called "hygiene-hypothesis" - that growing up in an overly clean environment affects the development of the immune system.

Previous studies have suggested that exposure to other siblings and children in day care could also help lower the risks of allergy and asthma.

Saturday, 2 February 2002