Seasonal allergies...a nightmare!

BY FRANKLIN TJONG

Don’t we just love spring? From the birds chirping in the morning dew to the myriad of flowers blooming fro- ACHOOO! In 2021, approximately 25.7% of adults and 18.9% of children experienced seasonal allergies. But why? Atopies are the genetically inherited tendency to develop a dangerous reaction to a harmless substance in one’s environment. This trait can be inherited from one’s parents, but isn’t limited to it. We recently interviewed a fellow Bronx Science student on their allergies. They’re allergic to apples, peaches, avocados, cherries, bok choy, kiwis, and the common seasonal allergies. Their allergies developed as they grew up and weren’t just from birth. We asked if they had made any lifestyle changes due to their allergies, and they replied that they take medication for their pollen allergies and limit their intake. 

We tested their allergies in a sample of 33 students and asked if their parents had allergies. We can test for whether the parent’s allergies are similar to their child and if it is always passed on. 

A statistical test was performed with the following conditions listed below.

Conditions

• Randomness: Questions were asked during lunch periods and can be considered convinence sampling. 

• 10% Condition: 36 students is <10% of all Bronx Science students, so condition is met

• Sample Large Enough:  Not all expected counts are greater than 5. 

We would proceed with caution with the test. 

Conclusions

Based on statistical analysis, we don’t have enough evidence to say that students’ allergies are related to the presence of allergies in their parents.