Allergies

Having Pets Can Help Fight Allergies

Filed in archive Living with Allergies on February 18, 2009

While there are those who break into sneezing fits in the presence of furry pets (like the President's daughter, for example), there is a lot of evidence indicating that growing up with pets make kids less prone to developing asthma and allergies.
In one study, Gern analyzed the blood of babies immediately after birth and one year later. He was looking for evidence of an allergic reaction, immunity changes, and for reactions to bacteria in the environment.

If a dog lived in the home, infants were less likely to show evidence of pet allergies - 19% vs. 33%. They also were less likely to have eczema, a common allergy skin condition that causes red patches and itching. In addition, they had higher levels of some immune system chemicals - a sign of stronger immune system activation.

It's still the so called hygiene hypothesis at work here: that exposure (to dirt, basically) at an early stage helps develop the immune system. I suspect though that this is not as simple as it sounds. Genetics, and the timing, type, and duration of exposure all count. I am convinced that it's an interplay of many factors and not simply exposure vs non-exposure, or in this case having or not having pets at home. It is not uncommon for two kids living in the same house, under basically the same conditions to show different profiles when it comes to allergies. I should know; my two kids are perfect examples!

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