Summary:
- Allergies are caused by the immune system overreacting to harmless substances, like pollen or certain foods. This is often due to genetic factors.
- Research has shown that allergies tend to run in families, suggesting a strong genetic component. People with a parent or sibling who has allergies are more likely to develop allergies themselves.
- Specific genes have been identified that can increase the risk of developing different types of allergies, such as hay fever or food allergies. However, environmental factors also play a role in whether someone develops allergies.