Allergies and genetics: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

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Allergies and genetics

A specific allergy is not usually inherited, but your tendency to develop allergies is often passed down through families. If both parents have allergies, their child is likely to have allergies. However, your chance of developing allergies seems to be greater if your mother has allergies.

For general information on allergies and their treatment, see:

Alternative Names

Inherited allergies; Genetics and allergies

Update Date: 1/8/2009

Updated by: Stuart I. Henochowicz, MD, FACP, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Georgetown University Medical School. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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