While this is not really too important of a discussion in terms of reliably
predicting allergies or knowing what to do to cope with them, it is
sometimes interesting to dabble in the realm of unsupportable theory. Who
knows - maybe we can even discover patterns that can be proven out by
extensive studies. But not likely. Mostly its us just trying to puzzle out
the various patterns in a way that helps us feel like we can get a handle
on the this seemingly random occurence - we may even be doing some of this
in hopes that we'll find a trait that supports our natural desire to
somehow be protected.

So, here goes...

My sons are all fairly light in complexion. Their allergies vary widely in
severity and in the kinds of triggers. Our first born and I are both
lefthanded (my own theory of genetic association with atopy) and we have
the worst allergies mong our respective siblings; we're also the only ones
with food allergies. My dark-haired siblings have mild-to-moderate seasonal
allergic rhinitis and occasional mild asthma. My sister has minor problems
digesting milk. We were all whole-milk-fed "bottle babies" which were
supposed to be the healthiest babies, back in the 50's and early 60's. My
other two sons also have fair hair and skin - perhaps even lighter than
their older brother. The youngest boy, age 7, has perhaps the least stable
allergic asthma and seasonal allergic rhinitis among us. The middle guy,
age 9, has the mildest allergies and asthma. The younger ones had minimal
prenatal exposure to dairy and eggs, based on their older brother's
situation. Who's to say whether they fared better because of this, or
because they are right handed, or simply because they got a different blend
of genetic influences (most likely). Since I developed dairy allergies as
an adult, I suspect that one or both of the younger ones will also develop
dairy allergies, especially the middle one, who isn't particularly fond of
milk. But, then again, maybe the youngest will, since he consumes more. It
all seems somewhat random, but I suspect that by the time my kids are
adults, they'll be able to find out exactly which genetic markers they have
for which allergies, and (wishfully dreaming) will be able to get
innoculated against them.

Mark
Mark Feblowitz                  GTE Laboratories Incorporated
[log in to unmask]              40 Sylvan Road, Waltham, MA 02154-1120