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May 1, 2025 – A new study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: Global reveals a striking trend: children of Indian immigrants born in the United States or Canada are significantly more likely to develop allergies and atopic diseases compared to those who migrated from India with their parents.
Key Findings
The research, led by Dr. Ruchi Gupta, pediatrician and director of the Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, surveyed 148 physicians of Indian origin. The study found:
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Higher Allergy Rates in North American-Born Children:
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Asthma: 18.6% (North America) vs. 8.6% (India)
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Allergic rhinitis: 36.1% vs. 19.4%
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Food allergies: 17.5% vs. 5.4%
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Generational Shift: Parents who immigrated from India had lower rates of allergic conditions than their children born in North America.
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Increased Allergies After Migration: Among surveyed physicians, allergic rhinitis and food allergies were more common after moving to North America (21.6%) than before (12.8%).
Possible Causes
Dr. Gupta suggests that environmental exposures and changes in the microbiome may play a role in this generational shift. “Both our kids are highly atopic, and we are not,” she said, highlighting her personal connection to the research.
Dr. Mahboobeh Mahdavinia, head of allergy and immunology at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, noted that this pattern is not unique to Indian immigrants. “Second-generation immigrants have very high rates of atopy, and that’s across all atopic diseases,” she explained.
Recommendations for Parents and Clinicians
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Early Screening: Pediatricians and primary care clinicians are encouraged to screen all children for signs of atopy, regardless of family history.
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Diet and Skin Care: Introducing a variety of foods during infancy and moisturizing a child’s skin may help reduce the risk of developing allergies and eczema, though evidence on prevention is mixed.
Broader Context
Food allergies and eczema are on the rise among all children in the U.S. According to the nonprofit Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), 1 in 13 U.S. children have food allergies, and the CDC reports that over 10% have eczema.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on a summary of research findings reported by Medscape and published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: Global. The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. For diagnosis or treatment of allergies or any medical condition, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
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