Daijiworld Media Network- Virginia

Virginia, Apr 15: Allergies, from common springtime sniffles to serious food reactions, are a product of both our genes and the environments we grow up in. When it comes to twins, one may wonder—are they allergic to the same things? The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no.

According to medical experts in the field of allergy and immunology, twins often share similar allergies due to their shared genetics and early-life environments. However, being twins—especially identical ones—does not automatically mean they’ll be allergic to the same substances.

Allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance—called an allergen—as a threat. In response, the body produces antibodies that trigger reactions such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis—a potentially life-threatening condition requiring immediate treatment with epinephrine.

Common allergens include environmental elements like pollen, pet dander, and dust mites, as well as foods such as milk, eggs, peanuts, shellfish, and sesame. Food allergies alone affect about 4% to 5% of the population, and while some outgrow them, others may live with them for life.

The risk of developing allergies can be influenced by lifestyle factors. Children raised in cleaner urban settings, especially those exposed to cigarette smoke or lacking early exposure to diverse bacteria, are more likely to develop allergies. In contrast, kids raised on farms, exposed to pets, or who have many siblings tend to be less.