Allergy is a word that is used to cover a huge range of spectrums; a rash after coming in contact with a certain substance, the coughing and sneezing pollen brings right through to the possibly fatal reaction to a bee sting. But how are allergies contracted? And do they really run in the family?

The answer is yes – predisposition to allergies may be transferred through genetics. Around a third of the world’s population have genes that could cause them or their children to become atopic; to have an adverse reaction to a generally harmless substance. But it is the environment which is the key factor in deciding whether or not an allergy develops.

If you live in a place with high air pollution levels, you’re more likely to suffer from hay fever; likewise if you live in a country with no pollen, you won’t get hay fever. Children born around spring will be more likely to develop an allergic response to pollen and other similar air pollution. Women may find they get allergies after childbirth or another event which has changed the hormones in their bodies.

Source: Dr Adrian Morris