[Genetics and allergies: consequences for the practitioner?]

Abstract

Atopic disorders (asthma, hay fever, atopic dermatitis) may develop on the basis of a genetic predisposition towards environmental factors. These complex genetic conditions do not follow Mendelian inheritance patterns. Rather, the genetic predisposition for atopic diseases is based on a combination of changes affecting several genes which are involved in a variety of pathophysiological mechanisms. A number of candidate genes for asthma and allergies have already been identified. Today, it seems possible to identify genetic risk profiles related to specific environmental conditions which should lead to an improvement in diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic measures. However, before genetic diagnostic can be implemented in clinical practice, further studies are needed.