Comparison of local risk factors for children's atopic symptoms in Hanoi, Vietnam

Abstract

These findings are contrary to the "hygiene hypothesis". Recent immunologic and epidemiologic studies refute the inverse association between allergy and TB and may be one explanation for the positive association in this study. The positive association with pig ownership and farming may be because of exposures on farms in a developing country that may be different from exposures in farms of developed countries.

Urbanization and non-communicable disease in Southeast Asia: a review of current evidence

“…30,31 One article each was from Singapore 32 and Vietnam. 33 Four studies reported evidence that urban exposure was associated with asthma and allergic symptoms such as rhinitis and conjunctivitis. 30e33 One article reported that urban exposure was associated with increasing asthma severity among children with asthma (OR 2.58, 95% CI 1.16e5.77).…”

The hygiene hypothesis and atopy: Bring back the parasites?

“…12 Similarly, a questionnaire-based study in Hanoi, Vietnam, found a positive relationship between allergic conditions and pig ownership. 13 It is possible that the beneficial immune priming of a farm environment is outweighed by the addition of antibiotics to animal feed. Other evidence also suggests an association between antibiotic administration to children early in life and an increased risk of asthma.…”

Identification of asthma risk factors in Mexico City in an International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood survey

“…20 However, the results of a Vietnam survey (using ISAAC questionnaire with a low response rate) are contrary to it. 21 Regarding breast-feeding, there are studies supporting a positive association (in the case of asthmatic mothers 22 ), others point to a nonlasting protection, 23 and others show a protective effect. 24 The relationship between asthma and obesity in children also has been controversial; some studies found a positive relationship 25,26 and others did not.…”