Is H. Pylori Infection Protective Against Asthma and Allergies?

The decreasing prevalence of H. pylori in children might be associated with epidemics of asthma and related allergy disorders.

Epidemiologic data have shown that the prevalence of asthma, hay fever, and other atopic disorders is rising in industrialized nations. Although many extrinsic environmental allergens could be implicated, so could a change in the indigenous microflora — such as the rapid decrease in prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection. Historically, 70% to 90% of children younger than age 10 years were colonized with H. pylori, but this prevalence has fallen to <10% in the U.S. and other developed countries. Could this decreasing prevalence of H. pylori be at least partially responsible for the increase in asthma and related allergic disorders?

To explore this possibility, researchers analyzed data from 15,075 individuals who participated in the Nati…

Reviewing Author

David A. Johnson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory boardMedscape/WebMD; Pfizer; CRH Medical Corporation; Aries

EquityCRH Medical Corporation

Editorial boardsMedscape Gastroenterology

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Research Institute Board of Directors