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HBF Family Doctor, Dr Duncan Jefferson

Scientists are claiming our over-sanitised homes could be causing Western Australia's startling rise in childhood asthma and allergies.

Allergies and asthma have been rising in developed countries such as the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Switzerland and Australia, at an alarming rate. Rates in less developed countries with more pollution and less sanitisation are much lower.

A number of studies are now suggesting that our over-sanitised environments could be to blame.

The allergic march

Researchers worldwide believe an allergic "march" occurs in many people where children begin with food allergies and eczema in the first year of life, then start developing allergic rhinitis. At about five years of age they start developing asthma symptoms at about three or four years.

This sensitivity shows signs of a weakened immune system. The question for scientists is why this is happening to so many people.

Germs in the first year of life create robust immune system?

Dr Pierre Ernst, Professor in the Division of Clinical Epimediology at McGill University in Montreal Canada says the rise in allergy and asthma around the world is too rapid to be explained by genes. "It appears to be environmental," he said.

Allergists studying children on small farms in Austria, Bavaria and Switzerland, found children who grow up drinking raw milk and living close to stables have 75 per cent fewer allergies than children raised in nearby villages.

There's a strong correlation between asthma and allergies; 90 per cent of asthmatic children suffer from allergies.

Other research, studying children who attended daycare in Germany in the first year of life, showed they had a decreased susceptibility to asthma. Early data from the United Kingdom shows a decrease in hayfever (allergic rhinitis) amongst children with more older siblings.

Pets and allergies

Scientists have also found that children who are exposed to two or more cats or dogs in the first year of life have lower responses to a whole host of allergies when they are tested at the ages of six or seven.

While pets can be a trigger for allergic responses in people with allergies - it seems that exposure to pets in the first year of life may ward of the development of asthma and allergies.

Readersís questions?

My child suffered a burn on her arm recently when she knocked over a cup of coffee. To be honest I realised I wasn't sure what the right treatment was. I ran it under cold water but I remember my mother putting butter on a burn.

Doctor's answer:

If your child is burnt, every second counts. All burns should be run under cool running water for up to twenty minutes. Do not use ice. Butter, oils or ointments at this stage should also be avoided as they can in fact make it worse.

After running under water, check whether more than the top layer of skin has been affected. If the skin is blistering, swelling or has fluid leaking from the skin, the burn has affected more than the top layer and you should seek immediate medical attention after running under water.

Otherwise, a mild painkiller, some burn ointment and a dressing, so the child stops thinking about it, will probably help.

If readers wish to raise a medical topic with the doctor for discussion in this column they can email hbfdoctor@hbf.com.au but due to the volume of mail questions will not be answered personally.

Visit www.askted.com.au

Please note: The information contained in this article is of a general nature and does not take into account your individual circumstances. It cannot replace proper medical advice, and if you have any medical problems, you should consult and follow the advice of your own health care professional.

Guardian's Hot Tip

Help your kids breathe more easily this winter

Interestingly, a "cold" isn't caught from being stuck "out in the cold". In winter kids spend more time playing indoors where germs are easily spread and there is a lack of fresh air. So to protect your kids this winter, here's a few tips:

* Breastfeed as long as your can, because breast milk contains a high concentration of vitamin C; a natural fighting agent.

* Fruit and vegetables help boost the immune system naturally.

* Steam from the bath or shower can help liquefy congestion and ease breathing.

For your nearest Guardian pharmacy, call 1300 888 666 or visit www.guardianpharmacies.com.au