Reviewed By Blake Gilliam, CRNP
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Many people are curious about the role their genes play in allergic diseases, and whether their family history is a factor.
The answer is more complicated than simply saying yes or no. Allergies are a result of a mix of genetic factors and environmental influences.In this blog, we will explore the relationship between your genes, the environment, and allergies. You will also learn about allergy testing and treatment options at Madison Integrative Medicine to help you manage your symptoms and find relief.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Allergies are influenced by a combination of genetic factors and environmental triggers. While having a family history of allergies increases your risk, environmental exposures, such as allergens and air pollution, also play a significant role in the development and severity of allergic diseases.
The Mechanism Behind Allergies
It is important to understand how allergies work.
At its core, an allergy is an overreaction of your immune system to a substance that is normally harmless.
This substance is called an allergen. Common allergens include:
- Pollen
- Food items
- Dust mites
- Pet dander
- Mold
When your body encounters these allergens, your immune system mistakenly sees them as a threat. As a result, your immune cells, including dendritic cells, trigger an inflammatory response.
This leads to common allergy symptoms like:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy eyes
- Skin rashes
- Breathing difficulties (especially in the case of asthma)
The Role of Genetics in Allergies
Yes, genetics does play a significant role in whether you will develop allergies.
However, the story does not end there. Allergies are a complex trait, meaning that multiple genetic variants can influence your susceptibility.
Genetic studies, like genome-wide association studies (GWAS), have shown that certain asthma genes and other genetic factors are linked to allergic responses.
How Your Family History Affects Your Allergies
If you have a family history of allergies, you may be more likely to develop them as well. Here is how family history plays a part:
- If one of your parents has allergies, there is a higher risk that you will develop an allergic disease.
- If both parents have allergies, the risk is even greater.
- The type of allergy may be similar to the one seen in your family members, such as food allergies, seasonal allergies, or asthma.
Even though genetics contribute to allergic sensitization, environmental factors can also play a major role in triggering allergies.
The Interaction Between Genes and Environment
It is not just your genetic makeup that affects your allergies.
Environmental factors have a great impact in the development of allergic diseases. These factors include:
- Exposure to allergens (like pollen or pet dander)
- Air pollution and other environmental toxins
- Respiratory infections during early childhood
- Dietary habits (for example, early exposure to tree nuts may affect the development of food allergies)
- Childhood exposure to certain chemicals or allergens
The combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers can lead to allergic sensitization, where your body begins to react to harmless substances.
In some cases, these allergens might even contribute to the development of asthma, which can be a long-term condition.
Managing Allergies at Madison Integrative Medicine
We offer advanced allergy testing to help identify your specific allergens and help you manage your symptoms.
Allergy Testing Options
We use several types of allergy testing to determine what triggers your allergic reactions:
- Food allergy testing: If you have food allergies, we use IgG testing to identify sensitivities to common allergens.
- Environmental allergy testing: Skin testing is used to identify sensitivities to environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander.
Treatment for Allergies
Once we know your triggers, we create a tailored treatment plan.
We prescribe sublingual allergy drops, which can help desensitize your immune system to allergens and reduce symptoms over time.
This treatment is convenient and effective, and it can help you gain long-term relief without the need for frequent visits to the doctor.
Additional Resources
Schedule Your Allergy Testing in Madison, AL Today
If you have a family history of allergies, you may be at a higher risk of developing allergic diseases yourself. However, the environment also plays a key role in your susceptibility and severity of symptoms.
At Madison Integrative Medicine, we offer advanced allergy testing and sublingual allergy drops, to help you manage and reduce your allergy symptoms.To book an appointment at our wellness clinic in Madison, AL, call (256) 325-0955 or complete our online inquiry form. We are located at 1230 Slaughter Rd Suite C, Madison, AL.
