Are Allergies Hereditary? Everything You Need To Know

While allergies are common, it is still unknown exactly why some people develop allergies and others do not. Even though the exact reason is unknown, multiple studies indicate that genetics play a role in determining whether or not you will develop allergies.

Are Allergies Inherited?

Multiple studies show that the development of allergies can be influenced by genetics. About 50% of chronic allergies are hereditary or passed down from parents to children. There’s a 50% chance that a child can develop allergies if one of the parents has one. If both parents have allergies, children are more than 75% more likely to get allergies. However, environmental factors, lifestyle, and medical history can also impact someone’s likelihood of developing allergies.

Are Specific Allergies Inherited?

Some children can develop a condition known as atopy, an increased likelihood of developing allergies due to genetics, but others with no family history of allergies also develop an allergic condition. While there is a chance that you will develop allergies through genes passed down from your parents, it isn’t guaranteed.

Common allergic conditions are often grouped when linking allergies and genetics. They include; asthma, hay fever, atopic eczema, and food allergies. These conditions appear to be related and follow a particular pattern regarding an individual's genetic susceptibility. It’s also important to note that most children with eczema are more likely to have food allergies.

Who Gets Allergies?

Allergens, such as substances like pollen and pet dander, are not harmful to people’s immune systems. But when someone with allergies encounters an allergen, their body’s immune system mistakenly identifies the allergen as a threat to their body. This causes the body to initiate a defense response, treating the substance as an invader and fighting it off.

After encountering an allergy trigger, the immune system will produce immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. The body will also release histamine, a chemical that will cause allergy symptoms affecting the eyes, nose, lungs, throat, and gastrointestinal tract to fight off the allergen.

Other Risk Factors for Developing Allergies

Research studies indicate that environmental and genetic factors are common causes of chronic and food allergies. While it is hard to tell why people have allergies, there are some theories about factors that increase the likelihood of developing an allergy.

Researchers suggest the following risk factors:

• Diet
• Smoking or exposure to tobacco smoke
• Environmental changes
• Viral respiratory infections
• Exposure to high concentrations of allergens in one’s environment
• Increased antibiotics usage

Common Allergy Symptoms

Allergy symptoms can be frustrating to deal with. They also can have some similarities with other conditions, such as the common cold. It is important to know what symptoms to be on the lookout for to know if you are having an allergic reaction. While most people will experience their allergy symptoms slightly differently, some of the most common allergy symptoms include:

• Stuffy or runny nose
• Nasal congestion
• Sneezing
• Scratchy throat
• Watery and red eyes
• Headache
• Itchy eyes, ears, or mouth
• Fatigue
• Aggravated asthma symptoms

If you experience difficulty breathing or any other symptoms of anaphylaxis, a severe and life-threatening allergic response, immediately seek emergency medical attention.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergies

It is important to identify exactly what you are allergic to to get the best treatment for your allergies.

Allergies are treated by avoiding allergens and using medications like antihistamines, eye drops, and nasal sprays. For certain types of allergens, allergy shots (immunotherapy) may be used, but they are not used for food allergies.

Diagnosis of an Allergic Disease

The first step to identifying what you are allergic to is taking an allergy test. There are two main methods of allergy testing:

Skin Prick Test

Generally, skin prick tests involve pricking your skin with small amounts of different allergens. If you are allergic, you will likely develop an itchy hive in response to the allergen. These tests must be performed by an allergist at a doctor’s office.

At-home Allergy Test

At Wyndly, our at-home allergy tests are convenient and easy. Unlike skin prick tests, they can be done from the comfort of your home. At-home allergy tests only require a quick finger prick, so they don’t result in uncomfortable allergy reactions. Once you submit your allergy test, our allergy doctors will interpret your results and create a personalized treatment plan to get you allergy relief.

Managing and Preventing Allergies

One of the best ways to decrease your symptoms is by limiting exposure to your allergy trigger. However, this has proven to be an uphill task for airborne allergens. If you are unable to avoid your triggers, allergy medications might be able to provide the relief you need.

Over-The-Counter Medications

Over-the-counter allergy medications can help reduce your allergy symptoms. It's important to note that these medications will not treat the root cause of allergies but provide short-term relief from the inflammation that accompanies allergic reactions. The most common types of OTC medicines for allergies include:

• Antihistamines
• Saline nasal sprays
• Decongestants

Generally, histamine is a common factor that causes allergies, which is why most medications focus on limiting histamine movement in the body while responding to a particular allergen.

Sublingual Immunotherapy

Unlike OTC medications, sublingual immunotherapy is a long-term allergy solution. Sublingual immunotherapy exposes your body to small doses of allergens. Over time, your immune system becomes desensitized and stops responding to your triggers. This results in a life free from allergy symptoms.

Take Our Allergy Assessment

If you have allergies and want long-term relief from your symptoms, choose Wyndly. Our allergy doctors will create a personalized treatment plan to get you living free from your allergies. Take our quick online assessment today to see if you’re a candidate!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a chance that you can develop allergies?

Anyone can develop allergies at any point in their lives. If you have parents or siblings who are allergic to pollen, animal dander, and dust mites, then there's an increased risk that you'll become vulnerable to allergies.

Can you outgrow your hereditary allergies?

With sublingual immunotherapy, you can retrain your immune system to stop reacting to the allergens that you are allergic to. This can help you get rid of your allergies for long-term relief.

Are allergies inherited from mother or father?

Allergies can be inherited from both parents. If one parent has allergies, there's a higher chance their child will also have allergies. The likelihood increases even more if both parents have allergies, but the specific type of allergy might differ.

Is asthma hereditary or genetic?

Asthma is both hereditary and genetic. If you have a family history of asthma, you are more likely to develop it. Genes play a significant role, but environmental factors also contribute to the development and severity of asthma.

Are peanut allergies hereditary?

Peanut allergies can be hereditary. If someone in your family, especially a parent or sibling, has a peanut allergy, you are at a higher risk of developing one too. Genetics play a role, but environmental factors also influence allergy development.

Is a shellfish allergy hereditary?

A shellfish allergy can be hereditary. If you have family members with a shellfish allergy, you are more likely to develop it. Genetics contribute to the likelihood of having this allergy, but other factors are also involved.

Are drug allergies hereditary?

Drug allergies can have a hereditary component, but they are not strictly inherited. Having a family history of drug allergies may increase your risk, but individual reactions to medications also depend on other factors like your immune system and previous exposures.

Are food allergies hereditary?

Food allergies can be hereditary. If you have family members with food allergies, you are at a higher risk of developing them. Genetics play a role in the likelihood of having food allergies, but environmental factors also influence their development.

Can you acquire an allergy?

Yes, you can acquire an allergy at any age. This can happen due to repeated exposure to the allergen over time, changes in your environment, or alterations in your immune system. Even if you've never had allergies before, it's possible to develop them later in life.