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Narative Review Volume 16 Issue 2
Family history of food allergy, asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis: genetic and environmental factors – a narrative review
Jéssika Alves de Sousa Costa, Mary de Assis Carvalho, Juliana Tedesco Dias, Gabriela Nascimento Hercos, Carine Dias Ferreira de Jesus, Nilton Carlos Machado
Received: July 21, 2026 | Published: August 17, 2026
Citation: Costa JAS, Carvalho MS, Dias JT, et al. Family history of food allergy, asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis: genetic and environmental factors – a narrative review. J Pediatr Neonatal Care. 2026;16(2):117-124. DOI: 10.15406/jpnc.2026.16.00630
Abstract
Background: Atopic diseases, including Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis, Atopic Dermatitis, and Food Allergy, are among the most common immune-mediated disorders in childhood. These conditions share complex pathogenic mechanisms that involve genetic susceptibility, IgE-mediated immune responses, epithelial barrier dysfunction, immune dysregulation, and environmental factors. The increasing prevalence of atopic diseases worldwide highlights the need better to understand the interactions between inherited risk and early-life exposures. Objective: This narrative review summarizes current evidence on the contributions of family history, genetic, and environmental determinants to the development of Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis, Atopic Dermatitis, and Food Allergy, emphasizing their interrelationships within the Atopic March. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE database, with no restrictions on publication date. Studies addressing family history, genetic predisposition, epigenetic regulation, microbiome composition, early-life dietary factors, and environmental exposures associated with atopic diseases were reviewed. Relevant original studies, systematic reviews, clinical guidelines, and consensus documents were considered. Results: Evidence indicates that family history represents an important marker of susceptibility to atopic diseases, reflecting the contribution of genetic variants, epigenetic modifications, and shared environmental exposures. Early-life factors, including alterations in the microbiome, dietary patterns, mode of delivery, breastfeeding, allergen exposure, and lifestyle factors, may influence immune maturation and modify the risk of developing allergic disorders. The coexistence and sequential progression of atopic diseases support the concept of the Atopic March as a dynamic interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental influences. Conclusion: Understanding the complex interplay among heredity, epigenetic mechanisms, and environmental factors is essential for identifying children at increased risk, improving early diagnosis, and developing personalized preventive and therapeutic strategies for atopic diseases.
Keywords: atopic diseases, asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, food allergy, atopic march, family history, genetics, epigenetics, environmental factors
©2026 Costa, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.