The Hygiene Hypothesis
Myth: Allergies increased because we're too clean
Reality: The "hygiene hypothesis" isn't really about cleanliness - it's about our changing relationship with microorganisms[1]. The rise in allergies correlates more with antibiotic use, processed diets, and indoor lifestyles than with household cleanliness.
Reality: The "hygiene hypothesis" isn't really about cleanliness - it's about our changing relationship with microorganisms[1]. The rise in allergies correlates more with antibiotic use, processed diets, and indoor lifestyles than with household cleanliness.
Preventing Food Allergies
Myth: Avoiding allergenic foods during pregnancy or infancy prevents allergies
Reality: This advice was completely reversed by research. Avoiding peanuts in early childhood actually increased peanut allergy risk[2]. Current guidelines recommend introducing common allergens during the first year of life.
Reality: This advice was completely reversed by research. Avoiding peanuts in early childhood actually increased peanut allergy risk[2]. Current guidelines recommend introducing common allergens during the first year of life.
Managing Seasonal Allergies
For allergic rhinitis, intranasal corticosteroids are more effective than oral antihistamines for most symptoms[3]. The combination of both provides the best results for moderate-to-severe symptoms.
Warning: Don't overuse decongestant nasal sprays
{?|decongestant sprays like oxymetazoline can cause "rebound congestion" if used more than 3 consecutive days, making symptoms worse}
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References
- Lambrecht BN, Hammad H (2017). The immunology of the allergy epidemic and the hygiene hypothesis. Nature Immunology. [DOI]
- Du Toit G, Roberts G, Sayre PH et al. (2015). Randomized trial of peanut consumption in infants at risk for peanut allergy. New England Journal of Medicine. [DOI]
- Sousa-Pinto B et al. (2024). Intranasal antihistamines and corticosteroids in allergic rhinitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. [DOI]