Allergy protection may occur in early childhood, says expert

HAVING more siblings, living on a farm and having parents with no history of allergy or asthma may act as a barrier in children against developing the lung disease.

In addition, having a household pet such as a cat or dog in the first year of life may have a protective effect. However, after the first 12 months of life, introducing animals, particularly cats, to the household, puts a child at risk of developing asthma.

Dr James Martin, a consultant respiratory physician, said it appeared exposure during the first year of life to certain allergens — substances that trigger the immune system to fight against itself — could lessen the risk of developing allergies.