Exposing infants to allergens protects them from developing allergies later in life, according to research published in the journal Allergy.

More children suffer from allergies now than ever before, and the numbers are increasing. Allergy is the term used to describe an overreaction of the immune system to a specific substance. This sensitization can occur by inhaling airborne allergens such as pollen, mold, and dust mites, or eating food that contains allergens. In an attempt to protect the body, the immune system produces a chain reaction, which causes the release of chemicals, including histamine, into the bloodstream. Children can develop allergies in the first few months of life, and their common symptoms include nasal congestion, cough, rash, or diarrhea.

Some studies have shown that early exposure to certain allergens can prevent allergies from developing. To test this theory, researchers studied nearly 600 infants who had at least one parent sensitive to allergens. Samples of dust and mold were collected from their homes, and were divided according to the level of a specific fungal protein. At 13 months, the babies were tested for allergies using a skin prick test, and information about wheezing episodes was collected from their parents.

It was found that exposure to high levels of fungal protein was associated with a 61% reduced risk of recurrent wheezing and sensitivity to allergens. Exposure to the lowest levels of fungal protein on the other hand, was associated with more wheezing.

Researchers concluded that exposure to high levels of germs may have a long-term protective effect on the immune system, and that cleaner environments lack the germ load necessary to trigger a response.

The trend to wipe out household germs with powerful cleansers may actually be doing us more harm than good. In fact, exposure to germs and dirt may actually help boost our ability to fight illness effectively and not respond to allergens.

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