Early Exposure to Allergens can Ward off the Risk of Allergy and Asthma: Study

Children exposed to pet dander, allergens and dust at an early age are less likely to develop asthma, allergies and wheezing, according to a study.

Past findings suggest exposure to microorganisms in soil, mud and atmosphere reduces the risk of allergy and asthma in young children. A recent research by the John Hopkins Children's Center found early exposure to allergens in rodents, roaches and toxic contaminants that are very much a part of urban living can allay major allergy risks and breathing problems in children.

For the study, experts kept a tab on the health status of 476 newborn babies in Boston, Baltimore, New York and St. Louis till they were three years old. The researchers regularly noted levels and types of allergens found in the living environment of these infants and examined dust samples from 101 homes. In addition, they conducted allergy tests, skin tests, physical examinations and interviewed parents of these children, reports the Eurasia Review.

It was observed that 41 percent of children who lived in houses that had mice, cat dander and cockroach droppings during first year had lesser chances of having wheezing and allergy problems at age three. But, those living in clean houses with the absence of all these allergens had 51 percent increased susceptibility for wheezing. Their findings also revealed 8 percent of children suffered both wheezing and allergy in spite of having adequate contact with these substances in first year of their lives.

Infants exposed to allergens and microorganism developed resistivity against common infections and skin allergies. Those exposed to all three allergens had lower risk rates than infants exposed to one or two allergens

Though the current trial confirmed the relation between allergy resistance and presence of microorganism around us, it could not determine exact cause behind this phenomenon.  

Infants exposed to allergens and microorganism developed resistivity against common infections and skin allergies. Those exposed to all three allergens had lower risk rates than infants exposed to one or two allergens.

"Our study shows that the timing of initial exposure may be critical," said Robert Wood, study author and chief of the Division of Allergy and Immunology at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center, reports the Eurasia Review.

 "What this tells us is that not only are many of our immune responses shaped in the first year of life, but also that certain bacteria and allergens play an important role in stimulating and training the immune system to behave a certain way."

More information is available online in the journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.