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Patients & Consumers Conditions En Español Find an Allergist / Immunologist Just for Kids New Research Parent Resources Pollen Levels Publications Real Life Stories Request a Speaker School Tools Seniors The Virtual Allergist™ Treatments Videos Search by Condition (A-Z) Search by Topic Allergy & Asthma Issues Educational Brochures Elements of Allergy and Asthma Order Public Education Materials Wall Street Journal Washington Post Supplement Allergy Shots Drug Guide LABAs Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)		Allergy & Asthma Issues: Summer 2009 A Little Dirt May Be Good For Your Kids According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), more than 23 million people in the United States 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 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 lifestyle 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," says 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. YOU DESERVE EXPERT CARE An allergist is a pediatrician or internist with an extra two years of specialized training and is the best physician to diagnose and treat allergies and asthma. Find one near you at www.aaaai.org/physref   <back>
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