Kern Allergy Medical Clinic, Inc.  

Recently in the journal of American Medical Association (JAMA, APRIL13, 2011-Vol 305, No. 14) the article reviewed the link between the presence of lots of bacteria and fungi in farms with the reduction of allergies and asthma. This is called hygiene hypothesis. Many research studies of thousands of children living on farms and agriculture areas in Europe showed these children are less likely to have asthma or allergies. Unfortunately, this hypothesis has not proven true so far in our farming valley of San Joaquin. Instead we have more allergies and asthma, approximately twice compared to the national average.

          We speculate that there are many other factors that we have yet to understand contributing to asthma and allergies.  There could be differences in types of bacteria and fungi between US and Europe. There were also studies showing anti-bacterial usage contributing to more diagnoses of allergies and asthma. We need to determine whether or not we have more anti-bacterial usage in the US.  Other environmental factors such as the high level pollens, dust, and pollutants in our valley could negate the beneficial effect of farming.

          The bottom line is we need to keep allergies and asthma better controlled by emphasizing preventative treatment. This can be done through a variety of ways including natural immunity build-up with allergy injections, medications and avoidance of allergens. In our office, we can do testing to determine the offending allergen and help with the management of allergy and asthma.

TONNY TANUS MD – Summer 2011

Specialist in Allergy and Asthma