Childhood allergies need to be consulted with a doctor and treated, lest they lead to other illnesses, or heighten the risk for cardiovascular disease, according to a study published in the Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology.
The study's lead author, Dr. Jonathan Silverberg, who is associated with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, used data from a 2012 health interview that surveyed 13, 275 children from 50 states in the United States.
Dr. Silverberg noted how the kids with asthma, hay fever, and eczema, common allergic conditions, were more inclined to develop the signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disease. The inflammation that occurs with bouts of asthma, hay fever or eczema may be the culprit increasing the risk of heart disease, Live Science reported.
Dr. Silverberg did not discount the possibility that kids may be susceptible to heart disorder owing to lifestyle factors, an article in the Northwestern University website reported. The experts said the risk can be averted with a lifestyle revamp.
Kids with recurring allergies, who may be restrained by parents from spending much time outdoors and end up with little or no exercise, may pack on pounds and worse, develop heart-related problems owing to their sedentary lifestyle.
Healthier children who eat healthy meals and get regular exercise, in contrast, have a much better health scorecard.
The study draws attention to the importance of eating well and engaging in physical activity. It also underscores the need for households to adopt measures to curb allergy-triggering allergens that range from dust mites, pollen and pet dander, to molds.