Ask CNN: Are Allergies Genetic?
ELIZABETH FISHER, EUGENE, OREGON: I'm Elizabeth Fisher, and I'm from Eugene, Oregon. I was wondering if allergies were genetic.</s>RHONDA ROWLAND, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: Allergies can be genetic. They do tend to run in families. In fact, if one of your parents has allergies, you have a 35 percent chance of having allergies yourself. If both of your parents have allergies, you have a 75 percent chance of having allergies. Symptoms can be mild -- such as itchy, watery eyes; runny nose; or moderate headaches, coughing, or rashes -- or even severe, where you have difficulty breathing. Reducing the chances of developing allergies, or at least severe allergies, if you have a genetic predisposition, begins in childhood. Parents should try to limit their child's exposure to allergens. Keep beds and bedrooms clear of dust, perhaps avoid pests, and keep doors and windows closed when pollen counts are high. These steps can also reduce the allergy symptoms.