COMMON ALLERGENS

 

 

WHAT IS AN ALLERGY?

 

An allergen is anything that causes your immune system to react to a foreign substance. Some common allergens are: pollen, bee venom, pet dander or a food. Your immune system produces substances known as antibodies. When you have allergies, your immune system makes antibodies that identify an allergen as harmful, even though it isn’t.

 

LIST OF THE TOP COMMON ALLERGENS

 

 

1. AIR POLLUTION

 

 

Is any pollution that can be carried in the air. Some things that cause pollution are: herbicides, pesticides, antibiotics, paints, solvents and fuels.

 

2. CIGARETTE SMOKE

 

 

Smoke contains lots toxic chemicals/ irritants. These toxins can cause respiratory infections and asthma. Common symptoms are: watery eyes, nasal congestion, coughing, hoarseness, shortness of breath .

 

3. COCKROACHES

 

 

Is a very common allergy. Cockroach allergies cause: sneezing, wheezing, itchy eyes, cough, rhinitis. Can be very dangerous in children.

 

4. DUST MITES

 

 

The most abundant source of house dust allergens is dust mite poop. Symptoms include: runny nose, sneezing, stuffy sinuses, rhinitis, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and tight chest.

 

5. ANIMALS

 

 

Symptoms include: Sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, pain, cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath, wheezing, itchy eyes, skin rash and hives. Animal allergens are found on the fur and skin and in saliva.

 

6. POLLEN

 

 

Different types of plants produce pollen like: ragweed, grasses, oak trees. This type of allergy is very common.

 

7. ALGAL BLOOMS

 

 

Algal blooms have toxins that can cause skin irritation, allergies and gastroenteritis.

 

8. LEAD

 

 

Occurs when someone, mostly children are exposed to substances containing lead such: paint, dust, water and food. Lead poisoning affects a child’s behavior, hearing and learning. Lead poisoning in adults can cause brain damage, nerve problems, stomach issues and kidney failure.

 

9. PESTICIDES

 

 

May be found in the air, water, soil and even foods. Certain pesticides can cause a wide variety of health problems.

 

10. MOLD

 

 

Molds can be found indoors and outdoors. Molds release tiny, lightweight spores that travel through the air. Mold grows quickly in moist dark spaces, such as basements, garbage cans, and wet leaves, foods and anywhere there is moisture. Symptoms include: Wheezing, stuffy nose, itchy, watery eyes, rash, hives, difficulty breathing and even death.

Common things molds are found on include:

 

  • Cheese
  • Mushrooms
  • Vinegar products
  • Sour cream and milk
  • Meat or fish
  • Breads/food made with yeast
  • Jarred jams
  • Sauerkraut
  • Pickled meats and fish
  • Dried fruits
  • Soy sauce
  • sausages
  • Canned juices
  • Leftovers more than 3 or 4 days old


 

11. CHEMICALS

 

 

Chemicals can be found in a wide variety of products, such as: shampoos, cosmetics, detergents, cleaners, colognes, hair dyes, personal care items, soaps, colognes, deodorants, body creams, cosmetics and basically everything. Symptoms include: rashes, scaly patches, blisters that ooze, burning, itching, swelling of the eyes, face and hives.

 

12. DYES

 

 

Food dyes are added to many different types of foods. Stmptoms can range from skin rashes, hives to difficulty breathing. Common colors that cause allergic reactions are: yellow dye number 5, blue 1, red 40 and yellow 6.

 

13. BEE

 

 

Reactions to honeybees, hornets, wasps and yellow jackets are common. Symptoms include: pain, swelling of lips, throat and mouth , redness, itching, shortness of breath and the most severe is anaphylaxis. Around 40 people die each year in the US from venom allergies.

 

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION