There are numerous theories about the development of allergies and yet the question of "why" cannot be answered across the board. One thing is certain: most allergies are triggered by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Our medical team clarifies and gives you helpful tips for allergy prevention!
In so-called genome-wide association studies, science has already been able to decipher quite a few gene variants that promote the development of allergies. These genes affect the mechanism of immune cells and also, for example, the function of skin and mucous membranes.1.
If one parent is allergic, the likelihood that the child will also develop allergies during his or her lifetime is significantly increased. If two parents have allergic disease, 40%-60% of children are also affected. If both parents have the same allergic disease, the probability that the child will also fall ill with an allergy is even 60-80%. 2
So do genes always determine whether you become an allergy sufferer? Not at all!
Twin studies show that external factors are also decisive in the development of allergic diseases. For example, if one twin has asthma, the second twin often has the same disease, but not always (despite the same DNA).
Thus, many environmental factors also significantly influence the development of allergies:
Allergic diseases are a widespread health problem that has increased sharply since the 1970s. In the last decade, the number of allergy sufferers then stabilized at a high level. Current data from the Robert Koch Institute's health monitoring show that up to 30% of the population is affected today.
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This article has been reviewed by unserem Medical-Team for accuracy of content.
Sources:
1 Bonnelykke K et al., 2015: Genetics of allergy and allergic sensitization: common variants, rare mutations. Current opinion in immunology 36: 115-126
2 Informationen des Allergieinformationsdienst (HelmholtzZentrum München)
3 AWMF Leitlinie zur Allergieprävention