Early exposure to bacteria, fungi, dust and animal dander may help to explain lower rates of asthma and allergy among children raised on farms. We may be living in an environment which is too aseptic. The current study found that adolescents who lived on farms were less likely to suffer from asthma and allergic symptoms such as wheezing and narrowing of the airway than teens raised in rural but non-farm settings.her children to allow their pet in the bedroom.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine May, 2000;161:1563-1566