4 most common allergens
Allergens are chemicals that trigger allergic reactions in some people. An allergen can be anything you eat, breathe in, inject into your body, or touch.
Most people suffer mild reactions, such as bronchitis, rashes, or runny noses; however, allergies do result in the death of several people each year.
The 4 most common allergens include:
1. Food and medications
Certain chemicals in the food and medicines may cause allergic reactions in the body.
It is quite challenging to identify the specific allergen. Once the allergen is established you can avoid it by substituting it with a suitable alternative or completely avoid it if it has no significant role in your lifestyle.
Most common food products that cause allergies
- Legumes (peanuts)
- Nuts
- Milk
- Eggs
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Poultry
- Wheat
- Fruits
- Vegetables
Medications that cause allergies
- Antibiotics, such as
- Sulfa drugs
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Chemotherapy drugs
- Antihuman immunodeficiency virus drugs
- Insulin
- Intravenous (IV) muscle relaxants
- Anesthetic drugs
- Antiepileptics
With the significant increase in the number of cases of food and drug allergies every year, the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 has been established. It states companies must mention all the products in a particular food or drug on the label. This helps the consumer choose between products for their safety.
2. Pollen
This is one of the most frequent allergies in the United States, impacting millions of people.
Pollen particles can go everywhere and enter the house via insects and the wind through open windows. Pollen particles may land on the skin, hair, clothing, shoes, pillows, and bedsheets.
Researchers have discovered that forms of pollen, which are normally suspended higher in the atmosphere during warm weather, tend to descend closer to ground level during the chilly hours of the night.
3. Pet dander
As a result of people allowing their pets on their beds, beds tend to have higher quantities of pet dander. People who are allergic to pet dander may experience immediate reactions or long-term consequences.
Pet dander allergic reactions can occur even when the pet is not around. Dander can move and settle on a variety of household and bedroom surfaces. This means that even if you do not have a pet, you can bring the dander home with you and suffer from allergy symptoms for days, if not weeks.
4. Latex
Latex is used to make various everyday products, such as:
- Latex gloves
- Condoms
- Mattresses
- Toys
- Balloons
- Swim caps
Latex allergy is an allergic reaction to specific proteins found in natural rubber latex, which is derived from the rubber tree. The body misinterprets latex as a potentially harmful substance and presents with symptoms.
Latex allergy can be caused by:
- Direct contact: Touching goods that contain latex is the most prevalent source of latex allergy.
- Inhalation: When latex particles are in the air, they can be inhaled. The amount of latex in the air emitted by gloves varies greatly depending on the manufacturer.
Latex allergy can cause common symptoms and even anaphylaxis. The doctor can tell you whether you have a latex allergy or if you are at the risk of acquiring one.
What is an allergy?
When the immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance called an allergen, you have an allergy.
Allergies may cause common symptoms that subside eventually or may cause serious life-threatening reactions (anaphylaxis). Symptoms of an allergy depend on the type of allergen.
- Common allergy symptoms:
- Serious life-threatening allergic reactions:
- Sudden fall in blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Swelling of throat and tongue
- Breathing difficulties
- Wheezing
- Asthma episodes
- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion
- Death in severe situations
How are allergies treated?
Although there is no cure for allergies, a positive test result may assist your allergy specialist in recommending anti-allergy drugs.
- Relief to symptoms: Over-the-counter drugs that may relieve allergy symptoms
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
- Nasal corticosteroids
- Combination drugs of both decongestant and antihistamine may be prescribed
- Adrenaline (epinephrine) injections may be administered in life-threatening conditions
Unfortunately, all drugs, even over-the-counter treatments, can have significant side effects.
If used repeatedly, these drugs may become ineffective over time. If routine allergy drugs stop working, immunotherapy is used to lower the body's sensitivity to the allergen.
Immunotherapy is a long-term treatment that modifies the immune system's reaction to allergens. It requires regularly injecting or taking sublingual pills, sprays, or drops containing steadily increasing amounts of allergen extracts until you acquire immunity.
SLIDESHOW
Common Allergies: Symptoms and Signs See SlideshowHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
University of Rochester Medical Center. Allergies and the Immune System. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=85&contentid=p00039
Top What Are the 4 Most Common Allergens Related Articles
Allergic Contact Dermatitis Picture
Allergic contact dermatitis. Exposure to the oily sap (urushiol) of poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac can result in redness and itchy blisters which can spread if scratched. The rash is an allergic reaction and can appear within hours of exposure or up to a few days after exposure.
Allergies Quiz
What are the causes of allergies? This online quiz challenges your knowledge of common food and household allergens, environmental triggers, allergic diseases and conditions, and allergy symptoms and treatments.
Allergy (Allergies)
An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.
Plant and Tree Allergies
Find out more about which plants and trees might be producing pollen that is causing your itchy eyes and a runny nose.
Can You Suddenly Become Allergic to Cats?
Yes, it is possible to suddenly become allergic to cats, since various allergies can develop at any point in your life, such as a pet allergy.
Food Allergies Slides
What common food allergens cause the most problems for adults and children? See this list of common food allergies and learn to avoid allergens with these tips.
Makeup Allergy
Fragrances and preservatives in cosmetics may cause allergic reactions in some people. Symptoms include redness, itching, and swelling after the product comes in contact with the person's skin. Treatment typically involves the use of over-the-counter cortisone creams.
Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis)
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an irritation of the nose caused by pollen and is associated with the following allergic symptoms: nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, eye and nose itching, and tearing eyes. Avoidance of known allergens is the recommended treatment, but if this is not possible, antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays may help alleviate symptoms.
How Do You Get Tested for Allergies?
An allergy test is most often performed by an allergist that involves one of three methods, blood test, skin prick test or patch test.
How Long Does It Take for Allergic Conjunctivitis to Go Away?
Without treatment, allergic conjunctivitis symptoms could last the entire time that your critical allergen is present — which can vary greatly.
How Long Does an Allergic Reaction Last?
Allergic reactions may last for varying lengths of time. They may take a few hours to a few days to disappear. If the exposure to the allergen continues, such as during a spring pollen season, allergic reactions may last for longer periods such as a few weeks to months.
Indoor Allergens
Indoor allergens are substances that can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Common sources of indoor allergens include dust mites, cockroaches, molds, pets, and plants. Avoiding indoor allergens is one way to reduce allergy and asthma symptoms.
Ways to Reduce Mold Allergies
WebMD shows you 10 ways to fight the fungus and reduce mold allergy symptoms from dust masks to bottles of bleach.
10 Signs Your Allergies Are Out of Control
Learn 10 signs your allergies are out of control. See these surprising allergy symptoms and find out how to get relief for sneezing, congestion, watery eyes, and more.
How to Differentiate Between the Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19, Allergies, Cold, and Flu?
Coronavirus disease or COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Most people with COVID-19 will experience a mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without the need for intensive or special treatment. Serious illness is more likely in elderly people and those with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer.
What Are the 4 Types of Allergic Reactions?
Allergists recognize four types of allergic reactions: Type I or anaphylactic reactions, type II or cytotoxic reactions, type III or immunocomplex reactions and type IV or cell-mediated reactions.