According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, over 23 million people in America have asthma, and this number is rising.
One of the leading theories behind the rising rate is the “hygiene hypothesis.” It suggests that living conditions in much of the world might be too clean and our kids aren’t getting exposed to germs that train our immune systems to tell the difference between harmless and harmful irritants.
“This concept is supported by studies that show that individuals living on farms develop fewer allergic diseases,” acknowledges Anju Peters, MD, FAAAAI. “The theory is that farm animals increase exposure to germs and germ components called endotoxin. These endotoxins stimulate the immune response and decrease allergic inflammation, she explains.
In addition to the hygiene hypothesis, researchers have also shown that increased use of certain medications may be contributing to the increase in asthma. For example, studies have shown that increased antibiotic use parallels the rise in allergy and asthma. The researchers suggest that early antibiotic use changes the bacterial flora, which impacts the development of allergic diseases such as asthma. Recently, one study also suggested that increased use of acetaminophen instead of aspirin in children might be responsible for the increased risk of allergic diseases.
Some experts believe that life style changes associated with diet and activity are responsible for the asthma epidemic. Increased obesity in general has been suggested as a possible factor responsible for the increase in asthma prevalence.
Other experts have blamed rising rates of asthma on a deficiency of vitamin D. Vitamin D is believed to be essential for lung and immune system development. Because children tend to spend more time indoors, this reduces exposure to sunlight which results in reduced vitamin D production.
“The reasons for the rise in the prevalence of asthma appear to be quite complex. New research may back one or more of these theories,” said Peters. “Then again, perhaps this research will also lead to the discovery of other contributing factors.”
In the meantime, when your kids return from outdoor summer activities a little dirty, consider it good news for their health and well being.
Anju Peters, MD, FAAAAI is associate professor in the Allergy/Immunology division at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine and is a Fellow within the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
Reprinted with the permission of the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. © 1996-2008 American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. All Rights Reserved.
Ask a Question
Have questions about this article or topic? Ask150 Characters allowed
Today on Education.com
HOME COOKING
10 Ways to Spice Up Your Barbecue
CELEBRATION
Happy Graduation
WORKBOOKS
New Workbooks Are Here!
Popular Articles
Wondering what others found interesting? Check out our most popular articles.
- 20 Great Graduation Quotes
- Examining Possible Causes of ADHD
- Can Inventiveness Be Taught?
- What Do Test Scores Really Say About a School?
- Great Gifts for Middle School Grads
- Unraveling the Mystery of the Allergy Epidemic
- 9 Ways to Encourage Early Literacy
- Ten Great High School Graduation Gifts
- Is High-Stakes Testing Cheating Your Kid?
- Picky Eaters: Tips for Tackling and Myths Debunked
Add your own comment