What is causing the rise in allergies?

 

A leading theory behind the rising allergy and asthma diagnosis rates is the "hygiene hypothesis." This theory suggests that living conditions in much of the world might be too clean and that kids aren't being exposed to germs that train their immune systems to tell the difference between harmless and harmful irritants. Many experts believe that lifestyle changes associated with diet and activity are leading to rising rates of chronic diseases

Some research indicates that increased use of certain medications contribute to the increase in asthma. Studies have shown that increased antibiotic use parallels the rise in allergy and asthma, rising rates of asthma may, in part, be due to a deficiency of vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for lung and immune system development. Because children tend to spend more time indoors than in past generations, this reduces their exposure to sunlight. This results in reduced vitamin D production.

Food allergy is a rising, global epidemic. Food allergy can be a terrifying thing. When someone eats even a small amount of a food to which they are allergic, a minor reaction can involve itching, swelling, and stomach ache. But one in four people unlucky enough to have a food allergy, even a mild one, will at some point experience a severe reaction: anaphylaxis, a state of shock defined as a reaction involving two of the body's organs, is characterised by symptoms like wheezing, dizziness and vomiting.

Conclusion:

Allergy Statistics- The Most Common Disease. A 'first wave' of allergic disease occurred some 50 years ago with a huge surge in asthma and hay fever. We are now experiencing a 'second wave' of allergic disease, which has presented itself with a sharp increase in people suffering from life threatening food allergies.