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Left-handedness: its association with allergic disease
1University of York, Department of Psychology, Heslington, U.K.
Neuropsychologia
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Left-handed individuals show a higher prevalence in allergy clinics, particularly those with atopic conditions like eczema. This suggests a potential link between anomalous cerebral dominance and immune system disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Anomalous cerebral dominance is hypothesized to correlate with immune system disorders.
- Previous reports indicate a higher incidence of autoimmune diseases in left-handed individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between handedness and allergies.
- To compare the prevalence of left-handedness in allergy patients versus controls.
Main Methods:
- Assessed handedness in 313 allergy clinic patients using the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory.
- Compared results with 350 age- and sex-matched control individuals.
Main Results:
- Significantly more left-handers were found among allergy clinic attendees (P < 0.02).
- A highly significant increase in left-handers was observed in patients with atopy, IgE-mediated symptoms, urticaria, and eczema (P < 0.005).
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest a correlation between left-handedness and allergic conditions.
- The results support the hypothesis linking anomalous cerebral dominance to immune system dysregulation.