Allergic Factors Affecting the Family

Abstract

Individual allergic sensitivities, and allergic sensitivities between family members are described in ten allergic families. Allergic sensitivities were diagnosed by clinical histories, food and water sensitivity analyses, and skin prick tests. Intra-family allergic sensitivity occurs as a consequence of introduction of human allergens between family members. Such sensitisation follows transfer of food antigens across the placental and mammary barrier, occurs during and following intercourse, and can be produced as a result of repeated skin contact within a family. Hand-holding provides a simple clinical challenge test which reproduces the allergic symptoms characteristic of intra-family sensitivity and those which occur during intercourse. Auto-Immune Buccal Urine Therapy desensitises family members to intra-family allergic challenge equally effectively whether the challenge is produced through breast-feeding, intercourse or skin challenge. The clinical and social consequences of intra-family allergic challenge are discussed.