Hypersensitivity to specific allergens is not inherited. However, the predisposition to developing allergies may be inherited in many people. Studies have found that if neither parent suffers from allergies, the chances of a child developing allergies is only 10 to 20 percent. If one parent has allergies, the chances increase to 30 to 50 percent and if both parents have allergies, the chances increase to 40 to 75 percent. One explanation for this is in the ability to produce higher levels of IgE in response to allergens. Individuals who produce more IgE will develop a stronger allergic sensitivity.