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Research indicates that children who grow up in homes with pets —– especially cats and dogs— – may have fewer allergies when they get older.
Why? It's part of what's called the 'hygiene hypothesis' — the theory that the more 'nasties' like germs and dander we expose ourselves to, the more resilient our immune systems become.
When? Routine exposure to two or more pets over the first few years of a child's life – — from infancy to age 3 or 4 — offered the greatest boost to a child's immune system.
Who? Early pet exposure did not help children with asthma. Also, many allergies are inherited. Early pet exposure is not expected to significantly help children whose parents have allergies.
Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD, Jan. 9, 2008.
Sources: Kathleen Sheerin, MD, Allergist, Atlanta Allergy and Asthma Clinic. National Institutes of Health. Ownby, D., Journal of the American Medical Association, “Exposure to Dogs and Cats in the First Year of Life and Risk of Allergic Sensitization at 6 to 7 Years of Age, 2002; vol. 288: pp 963-972. WebMD Medical News: "Pets May Protect Children From Allergies."
Sources: Kathleen Sheerin, MD, Allergist, Atlanta Allergy and Asthma Clinic. National Institutes of Health. Ownby, D., Journal of the American Medical Association, “Exposure to Dogs and Cats in the First Year of Life and Risk of Allergic Sensitization at 6 to 7 Years of Age, 2002; vol. 288: pp 963-972. WebMD Medical News: "Pets May Protect Children From Allergies."
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Chronic Allergies Glossary
- Allergen - A substance your body perceives as harmful, triggering an allergic reaction.
- Contact Dermatitis - Allergic reaction after contact with poison ivy, washing powders, perfumes, or other irritants.
- Histamine - A chemical released by your immune system that causes swelling, redness, itchiness.
- Hives - An allergic reaction of the skin.
- Rhinitis - Hay fever, inflammation of the mucus membranes in the nose.
- View All Terms
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