A New Study Reveals Birth Order May Affect Allergies

Did you know that the birth order in which you were born could affect just how immune you are to allergies? This is the findings of a new study.

The study has shown that first born children are more likely to have allergies than their younger siblings. This study was done in Japan. The parents of more than 13,000 school aged children took part in the study. The ages of the children were 7 to 15. The parents were asked questions about specific allergies and how they related to each child in the household.

The researchers then complied the research they were given by the birth order of each child and by each allergen. The findings were a bit surprising.

There was no actually change of the difference of the birth order in the number of cases of the asthma or atopic dermatitis. Yet, there were a difference in other allergens.

In fact, there was a major difference in the number of cases of allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis and food allergies among those children who were born as first borns in their family. The study also found that the number of cases of wheezing during the infant years were higher in first borns and lowest in the youngest member of the family.

Researchers believe that the increase of food allergies has something to do with the time the child spent in the womb. They believe that this is where the food allergies may have originated.

Yet, no true or definite findings have been found. Research is continuing on the findings.

In fact, this study will be presented during a peer review during the annual American Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology meeting in San Francisco.

For now, older children, as well as any child who is suffering from allergies, should continue with the treatment plan recommended by his physician. First borns who suffer from allergies can for now explain to his younger siblings that there can be some drawbacks to being the oldest. One may be the curse of allergies, at least for now.

Sources:

webmd.com