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Allergen avoidance and prevention of atopy
1The David Hide Asthma & Allergy Research Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Newport, Isle of Wight, UK. sha@soton.ac.uk
Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|March 17, 2004
Summary
Exclusive breastfeeding for 4-6 months may protect infants from developing allergic diseases. However, evidence for other allergen avoidance strategies in preventing atopy is currently lacking.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and immunology
- Pediatric health
- Environmental health
Background:
- Atopic disease prevalence is increasing, suggesting early-life environmental factors are crucial.
- Exposure to food and inhalant allergens in infancy may be a modifiable risk factor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the effectiveness of allergen avoidance in preventing atopic diseases.
- To evaluate early-life environmental influences on the development of allergies.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent observational and interventional studies.
- Analysis of data on allergen avoidance strategies for primary and secondary prevention.
Main Results:
- Conflicting data exist on allergen avoidance for primary and secondary prevention of atopic diseases.
- Exclusive breastfeeding for 4-6 months shows protective effects against childhood allergic diseases.
- Limited evidence supports delayed introduction of solids or hydrolyzed formula for prevention.
- House dust mite allergen avoidance may be effective before sensitization, but evidence on animal allergens is uncertain.
- Recent trials question the efficacy of mattress covers for dust mite avoidance.
Conclusions:
- Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for at least 4 months for potential protection against allergic diseases.
- Current evidence does not strongly support other allergen avoidance measures for primary prevention in high-risk infants.
- Allergen avoidance remains important in managing existing allergic diseases, despite doubts about specific measures like mattress covers.
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