News Round Up: Secondhand Smoking Boosts allergy Risk, Asthma Persists In Most Children…
By Staff | Dec 23, 2007
Parents’ Smoking Boosts Child’s Allergy Risk
Swedish researchers have shown that children exposed to secondhand smoke during early infancy were almost twice as children of nonsmokers likely to be allergic to inhaled allergens, such as pet dander, and about 50 percent more likely to have food allergies. The study also shows that inhaling secondhand smoke during infancy and early childhood has more effect on allergies than the mother smoking while pregnant. Now we know it’s not enough to stop smoking during pregnancy, but parents shouldn’t smoke around their children at all. (source)
Childhood Asthma Persists In Most Children
A Canadian study shows that more than 50% of children with asthma by age 6 continue to have asthma at age 12. The study shows that boys have more persistent asthma than girls and children who developed it between the ages of 2 and 5 are more likely to have persistent asthma. If the children had allergies as well, their asthma was likely to be more persistent, as well as the more severe their asthma, the more persistent. This study goes against the belief that asthma in young children is usually outgrown. (source)
Can You Keep Allergies Out Of Your House?
An estimated one in five people suffer from some sort of allergy. Experts say that simple things around the house can help keep allergies at bay, such as proper humidity levels and using the right vacuum. “The philosophy at the American Lung Association is that you control the source first,” Janice Nolen, of the American Lung Association, said. Cockroaches, pets and mold are also a big source of allergies, but a controllable one. (source)
Allergy Alert for Adults
An Australian-based study has found that adult women are becoming increasingly vulnerable to food allergies; it’s not just children who are developing allergies. The more stress the body is under, the more apt you are to a have a reaction. Women can be more affected around their menstrual cycle. We all need to be aware as well as listen to our bodies. (source)
- Heather Legg
