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Physicians observed as far back as the 18th century that certain diseases were more prevalent in England than other countries, such as hay fever and Asthma. This inspired George Cheyne to publish his book "The English Malady." The theory Cheyne and similar physicians postulated was that modernization was the cause.

The idea was rekindled in 1989 when American immunologist David P. Strachan proposed an idea he called the hygiene hypothesis. The theory postulates that lack of exposure to germs (due to modernization), especially in the first three months of life when the immune system is developing, might confuse the immune system. The idea due to lack of exposure to germs, the immune system gets bored and develops a defense against substances that are innocuous to most people, such as pollen, mold, dander, cockroach urine, dust mites, etc. These would then become that persons allergens or asthma triggers.

The theory also postulates that exposure to certain germs, such as bacteria, may be necessary for the healthy maturity of the immune system. Things that decrease an infants exposure to germs might be antibacterial soap, hand sanitizer, c-sections, antibiotics, etc. Other things that decrease exposure to germs are smaller families, lack of exposure to dogs, cats, and farm animals.

So those who believe in this theory believe that our modern way of living causes diseases like Allergies and asthma. On the contrary, people who live in third world countries, or who live on farms, or have pets, or come from large families, have a greater exposure to germs and a lower prevalence of allergies and asthma.

Another similar theory is the microflora hypothesis. The idea is that microbes (germs) that live in your gut help keep your immune system strong. An imbalance of these microbes any time in your life can cause your immune system to develop an inappropriate response. Two things that may cause these microbes to become imbalances are antibiotics (especially broad spectrum antibiotics) and our modern diet.

So these are just a couple theories as to why asthma is more prevalent in more civilized nations like the United States and Europe.

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11y ago

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