Childhood Stress Linked to the Development of Allergies

A study recently published in Pediatric Allergy and Immunology showed correlated link between childhood stress and an increased risk of developing allergies later on in life by a research group in Germany who had conducted long-term research.Over 3,000 newborn children were recruited between 1997 and 1999. Parents were interviewed about lifestyle-related factors. Blood tests were drawn. A total of 565 children were examined up to the age of six, and for 234 participants, blood analyses of stress and immune parameters were carried out.Blood samples drawn from 234 6yo showed that children who experienced stressful situations like moving or being separated from parents had  higher levels neuropeptide vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in their blood suggesting that the neuropeptide could be influencing the regulation of immune responses.Stressful events occurring during childhood are increasingly suspected of playing a crucial role in the later development of asthma and allergic skin disorders. For children, stressful situations can include the serious illness of a family member to seemingly harmless situations such as moving house.Stress has been known to exhibit influence over the development of allergies. Unknown is the mechanism behind the phenomenon. This investigation during early childhood can play a large role in understanding the correlation between immune and stress markers.Keep in mind, that the even though there were a comparatively small number of children affected, the results can still provide valuable insight into what exactly happens to the body through stress. More studies are required and are currently in process.