Hygiene hypothesis
Hygiene Hypothesis
The Hygiene Hypothesis (/haɪˈdʒiːn hɪˈpɒθɪsɪs/) is a theory that suggests a correlation between the increase in allergies and autoimmune diseases and the decrease in infections due to improved hygiene and sanitation.
Etymology
The term "Hygiene Hypothesis" was first coined by David P. Strachan in a 1989 article in the British Medical Journal. The word "hygiene" comes from Hygieia, the Greek goddess of health, cleanliness, and sanitation. The word "hypothesis" is derived from the Greek word "hypothesis," meaning "base" or "foundation."
Explanation
The Hygiene Hypothesis proposes that a lack of early childhood exposure to infectious agents, symbiotic microorganisms (such as the gut flora or probiotics), and parasites increases susceptibility to allergic diseases by suppressing the natural development of the immune system. In particular, the lack of exposure is thought to lead to defects in the establishment of immune tolerance.
Related Terms
- Allergy: A hypersensitivity disorder of the immune system.
- Autoimmune disease: A condition arising from an abnormal immune response to a normal body part.
- Immune tolerance: The immune system's ability to tolerate the presence of substances that would normally trigger an immune response.
- Probiotics: Live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system.
Criticisms and Further Research
While the Hygiene Hypothesis is widely accepted, it is not without its critics. Some argue that the hypothesis oversimplifies the complex interactions between the immune system, genetics, and environmental factors. Others point out that the hypothesis does not account for the rise in autoimmune diseases in developing countries, where infection rates are still high.
Despite these criticisms, the Hygiene Hypothesis continues to be a valuable tool for understanding the complex relationship between hygiene, the immune system, and disease. Further research is needed to fully understand these relationships and to develop effective treatments and prevention strategies for allergic and autoimmune diseases.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hygiene hypothesis
- Wikipedia's article - Hygiene hypothesis
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski