Are Allergies and Asthma Inherited?
- Ronald L. Brown, M.D.
Question
Are some allergies and asthma inherited? My sister and I seem to be allergic to the same foods and pollens. Also do children ever outgrow these conditions?
Answer
The tendency to be allergic is inherited, but the specific allergens that one is allergic to are not necessarily inherited.
For instance, one family member can be allergic to pollen and another to dust mites, food or other allergens. If you were both allergic to the same pollens and foods, it would be a coincidence. Asthma is inherited, especially if it is triggered by an allergy.
Children can sometimes "outgrow" asthma if they are not allergic also, but that is less likely if they are allergic.
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