Are Allergies Becoming More Widespread?
By editor | September 14, 2007
Yes, allergies are increasing. We do not know why the incidence rates of allergies are rising, but they are. Asthma, hay fever, eczema, and food allergies are all on the increase. The most common theory to explain the rising numbers is the hygiene theory. This theory is based on the belief that young people today are cleaner and come in contact with fewer germs than previous generations. This doesn’t mean that we clean our homes more often or more thoroughly today. It means that we are exposed to fewer bacterial products because of an increased use of antibiotics; it also means that more people are living in cities and suburbs instead of working on farms where they have greater exposure to animal bacteria. Unfortunately, this doesn’t account for all the increases in allergies. People who work on farms or with farm animals still develop allergies.
Some of the increased incidence of allergies may be attributed simply to the fact that we have improved diagnosis and a better count of allergy sufferers than ever before. As public awareness about allergies has grown, people seek diagnosis and treatment, so we have a more accurate picture of how many individuals really have allergies. But even taking into account this increased diagnosis, allergies are on the rise worldwide.
Tagged under:allergy allergy sufferers Asthma bacterial products diagnosis eczema farm animals food allergies hygiene theory
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