Our sterile homes might be giving us seasonal allergies

Seasonal allergies are the worst. Video by Gina Barton and Liz Scheltens Millions of Americans suffer from seasonal allergies. There isnt a clearcut answer as to why some people have them while others dont but scientists do have one particular theory. The hygiene hypothesis is the idea that excessively sterile environments are contributing to the development of allergies, asthma, and other autoimmune illnesses. Kids in wealthy countries lack exposure to allergens and other germs that aid in developing a healthy and functioning immune system. While the hygiene hypothesis isnt the definitive answer to seasonal allergies, it is a starting point. Read more on seasonal allergies and the hygiene hypothesis: Subscribe to our channel is a news website that helps you cut through the noise and understand what s really driving the events in the headlines. Check out to get up to speed on everything from Kurdistan to the Kim Kardashian app. Check out our full video catalog: Follow Vox on Twitter: Or on Facebook: