Allergies & Cures

Most humans are able to tolerate substances such as foods, pollen and dust but there are also people who have developed a particular oversensitivity to such substances and who are suffering from allergies triggered by the antigens or allergens. An allergen is to be regarded as any substance that may cause allergic reactions in an individual thus triggering a hypersensitivity reaction. Allergy symptoms may vary in intensity and they can also become life threatening unless treated in the right way.

So, if you are suffering from a particular allergy, you must see your allergy professional as soon as you start developing allergy symptoms. There are plenty of options when it comes to allergy treatment – medicines will be prescribed and administered to you in order to alleviate your allergy symptoms. Allergy treatments include prescription drugs, nasal sprays, antihistamines, allergy shots, epinephrine injections and steroids in the case of a more life threatening allergy symptom. Here are the most common allergens that can trigger allergic reactions in people:

• The animal dander is among the most common allergens – for instance, many people can be around their pets without experiencing any symptoms while others may develop really severe allergic reactions. The animal protein that is contained in the oil an animal secretes through his skin is present in his saliva and hair thus causing the nasty allergic reactions.   

• Pollen is another well known allergen that can trigger severe outbreaks in people suffering from an allergy to it. Pollen allergy can come with symptoms that include congestions, sneezing, runny nose and itchy watery eyes.

• Mold and its spores can also trigger severe allergic reactions when inhaled or touched. Mold grows in dark and moisture rich places and only certain kinds of mold can trigger allergic reactions.

• Dust mites are microscopic organisms that live off of dust. Dust mites exist in dust that contains dead skin cells, fungi and bacteria and they can actually be found anywhere in your environment. The protein contained by the dist mites’ waste is to be blamed for causing allergic reactions.

• Food may trigger allergic reactions too and food allergy symptoms can actually occur within minutes after eating. For instance, the foods that are most likely to trigger allergic reactions are shellfish, dairy, nuts and wheat and the symptoms may vary from mild one to life threatening ones.

• Insect stings can also cause allergic reactions that may vary from nausea and swelling to fatigue and dizziness. Also, more severe reactions may occur – breathing difficulty and a significant increase in the pulse rate to name just a few.   

• The fragrances that are frequently used in detergents and perfumes can cause adverse reactions but the medical community hasn’t decided yet whether they are allergens or simple irritants.

• Latex can be an allergen for some people. Latex allergy comes with symptoms that include itching, skin rash and anaphylaxis. The most common reactions come from latex condoms and gloves.

• Medications such aspirin or penicillin can cause allergic reactions that include coughing, swelling and congestion in the throat and mouth.