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| Farm-raised children show lower allergy rates compared to kids raised in urban environments (Credit: Getty Images) |
Have you ever wondered if twins have the same allergies? It seems logical — after all, they often look alike and share a lot of similarities. But when it comes to allergies, the answer is a little more complex.
In this blog post, we'll dive into how genetics and environment influence allergies in twins, and why being identical doesn’t guarantee identical allergies.
What Causes Allergies?
An allergy occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance (like pollen, dust, or certain foods) as a threat. To defend the body, it releases antibodies that trigger symptoms like sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, and even life-threatening reactions like anaphylaxis.
Common allergens include:
- Pollen from trees and grasses
- Pet dander
- Dust mites
- Foods like peanuts, eggs, and shellfish
Interestingly, the same antibodies that fight off parasites in our bodies are also responsible for allergic reactions. In modern environments, where parasite infections are rare, these antibodies sometimes misfire — leading to allergies.
How Genetics Influence Allergies
Genetics play a major role in determining who develops allergies. If a parent has allergies, their child is more likely to have them too. Specifically:
- Children of allergic parents are at a higher risk.
- If a family member has a peanut allergy, you’re seven times more likely to have it too.
When it comes to twins:
- Identical twins share 100% of their genes.
- Fraternal twins share about 50% of their genes — just like regular siblings.
Studies have shown that 60–70% of identical twins share environmental allergies, making them more likely to have similar reactions compared to fraternal twins.
However, genetics isn't the full story.
How Environment Shapes Allergies
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| Pollen from flowering plants is a major trigger for seasonal allergies (Credit: Getty Images) |
The environment where a person grows up also greatly influences their risk of developing allergies. Factors include:
- Growing up on farms reduces the risk, thanks to early exposure to a variety of bacteria.
- Having pets before age five can offer protection.
- Breastfeeding during infancy lowers allergy risks.
- Urban living and exposure to air pollution or cigarette smoke increase allergy risks.
If twins are raised in different environments — for example, one in a rural area and one in a polluted city — their likelihood of developing the same allergies drops significantly.
So, Do Twins Always Have the Same Allergies?
If twins grow up in the same environment, they’re more likely to share allergies. But if their environments differ — through factors like diet, exposure to pets, or urban vs. rural living — their allergies might differ too.
Final Thoughts
Twins have a higher chance of sharing allergies compared to other siblings, but they are not guaranteed to have the same allergies. Genetics and environment work together in shaping allergic responses, making each person's experience unique — even among twins.
Scientists continue to study allergies to better understand how these factors interact. With ongoing research, future treatments and preventive strategies for allergies are looking promising.
📌 Key Takeaway:
Twins often share allergies, but it's not a sure thing — environment matters just as much as genetics!
References:
- Hayes Haney, B. (2025). Do Twins Become Allergic to the Same Things? The Conversation.
- West Virginia University Immunology Research.
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