date: 8/12/2005
Pets may lower allergy risk
Between 20 and 40 million Americans have hay fever or other similar allergies. Owning a pet may lower the risk of developing allergies.
When you need to make important decisions about your health and the health of your loved ones, you need information from experts who have your interests, as a consumer, in mind--just the facts, no drug company advertising. ConsumerReportsHealth.org is your essential resource for trusted, unbiased, independent health information, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Infants raised in homes with a dog may have a lower risk of developing allergies than those without pooches, according to a study in the February 2004 Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
Researchers tested 1-year-olds from 285 families in which at least one parent had allergies or asthma. Compared with infants raised without pets, those with a household dog had significantly fewer allergic reactions to skin tests. Infants raised with a cat had about the same allergy risk as those with no pets.
If you suspect you are suffering from allergies, make an appointment with your doctor soon. Prompt, proper diagnosis of allergic reactions can help control symptoms and restore your quality of life. With many drug and non-drug options available, having up-to-date, unbiased information is crucial.
Researchers tested 1-year-olds from 285 families in which at least one parent had allergies or asthma. Compared with infants raised without pets, those with a household dog had significantly fewer allergic reactions to skin tests. Infants raised with a cat had about the same allergy risk as those with no pets.
If you suspect you are suffering from allergies, make an appointment with your doctor soon. Prompt, proper diagnosis of allergic reactions can help control symptoms and restore your quality of life. With many drug and non-drug options available, having up-to-date, unbiased information is crucial.
This site is for your information only. For medical advice, consult a health professional.
