What Causes Allergy - Causes of Allergy

Allergies are thought to result from a combination of inherited susceptibility and adverse environmental conditions. The way in which the tendency is inherited is complex and not fully understood. Even more puzzling is why some members of a family develop an allergy while others do not. Identical twins, for example, have exactly the same genes, and may also have similar positive RAST tests, yet in some cases only one of them will develop allergic symptoms.

The environment in which we live and work can play a significant part. For example, the risk of developing an allergy is known to be increased in people exposed to allergens in the first few weeks of life . Infections, such as flu, can also trigger the start of an allergy, especially if, at the same time, the person has suffered an emotional trauma, such as bereavement.

Diet is another factor. People with allergic conditions are often deficient in minerals, especially magnesium , although it is not clear whether this deficit is a cause of allergy, or its result. Recent research has also indicated that eating fresh fruit and vegetables provides children with Fome protection from developing asthma.