Hygiene hypothesis

In medicine, the hygiene hypothesis says that an excessively hygienic environment in early childhood may predispose some people towards asthma, allergies, and other autoimmune diseases.

Related Topics:
Medicine - Hygienic - Asthma - Allergies - Autoimmune disease

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The hygiene hypothesis was first proposed in an article by David P Strachan in the British Medical Journal BMJ.com. It is hypothesized that in the absence of sufficient natural external challenges, the child's developing immune system may start to target the body's own tissues instead, resulting in autoimmune disease in later life.

Related Topics:
BMJ.com - Immune system

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The Collaborative on Health and the Environment references studies that question the consistency of scientific evidence and the higher risk in children in urban areas and developing counties.

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