Extra Hygiene During Childhood Linked to Peanut Allergies

Too much cleanliness or little exposure to germs during early childhood may be contributing to the recent surge in peanut allergies among American children, a new study says.

Researchers who analyzed the occurrence found peanut allergies more common among children of families with higher economic status.

According to the investigators, the findings serve as an evidence to prove the "hygiene hypothesis," a common theory upheld by allergists and 'over sanitization' may be weakening the immune system, making children at higher risks of many allergies.

"Overall household income is only associated with peanut sensitization in children aged one to nine years," lead study author and allergist Sandy Yip, said in a news release. "This may indicate that development of peanut sensitization at a young age is related to affluence, but those developed later in life are not."

The findings come at a time when nearly 400,000 school-aged children are affected with peanut allergy. For the study, researchers included more than 8,000 children. Of the total children, 776 had severe peanut allergies. They found children less likely to outgrow a peanut allergy than other allergies.

"While many children can develop a tolerance to food allergens as they age, only 20 percent will outgrow a peanut allergy," said allergist Stanley Fineman. "It's important that children remain under the care of a board-certified allergist to receive treatment."

Food allergies are one of the major health problems faced by a significant number of children in the country. Cow's milk, eggs, fish, peanuts, shellfish, soy, tree nuts and wheat are some of the common foods that cause allergic reaction among children and adults.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between four and six percent of American children below18 have food allergies.

Following are some of the symptoms of food allergy as provided by (CDC) :

* Swelling, particularly in tongue and throat

* Hives

* Vomiting

* Diarrhea

* Rash

* Dizziness

* Breathing problems

* Wheezing

* Abdominal cramps