10 Common Allergy Causes
Almost 20 percent of human beings have an allergy. It is not a disease, just a condition in which your immune system reacts too much against the antigens. The symptoms start with sneezing to anaphylaxis. There have been many types of research done on allergic reactions which suggest that a variety of substances causes these allergic reactions. This article provides information on ten most common causes of allergy.
1. Pollen
One of the greatest and the most popular cause of allergy all over the word is pollen. It develops quickly. It causes seasonal allergic reactions in humans. The allergic reaction due to pollen is observed during the spring season when there is pollen spread in the air by the flowers and trees. The symptoms of allergy due to pollen are not dangerous these symptoms include running nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, and watery eyes.
The treatment for this type of allergy is the drugs prescribed by the doctor, or over-the-counter drugs and also allergy shots. Experts say that staying inside will reduce the allergic reactions. You can avoid pollen by wearing masks when outside.
2. Animal Dander
Another cause of allergy is the animal dander. This type of allergic reaction is not quick but takes a time to develop and show symptoms. It can take even two years of a few people to develop the allergy due to animal dander. Make sure that you clean the carpet after the pet sits on it. Wash your pets regularly. Do not let the pets in the bedroom or places such as sofas where you stand or sit often. It will reduce the exposure to dander.
3. Latex
The Latex which has rubber-based components can cause allergy. For example, the latex used in the condoms, or medical gloves, etc. can cause allergy. People who have sensitive skin will get the allergy as soon as they touch the latex. The symptoms of this allergy can be severe even deadly.
4. Medication
Not many but a few people are also allergic to some type medicine. The allergic reactions developed via medication can be mild and life-threatening. There are treatments available for this kind of allergy, but almost every doctor will tell you to stop taking the medicine which causes allergy and prescribes you another medication. Those people who have allergy due to medication must have a medical bracelet or carry the EpiPen.
5. Cockroaches
Yes, cockroaches! You will find them in every corner of the world, and these small creatures can cause allergy. The cockroach saliva and droppings serve as allergens. There are a few researchers who suggest that the increase in asthma during the past 30 years is because of cockroach allergies. So, make sure that you keep the environment clean.
6. Fragrance
Another common reason for allergy is the scent. Many people are allergic to a particular fragrance. The symptoms of such allergy are from a mild reaction to moderate. When the nose smells a particular perfume, the chemical in the perfume causes the inside of the nose to irritate. Many people are also allergic to the fragrance of soaps and detergents. It is why they are advised to use a different soap. The allergy goes away if you remove the fragrance. It is why it is not severe allergic reaction.
7. Food
There are many food items which can cause allergic reactions such as peanut, cinnamon, eggs, fish meat, nuts, milk, etc. immediately the allergic reaction occurs when you eat the food items which cause allergy. These symptoms are from mild to severe. Eating the allergic food can cause vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. Anaphylaxis may also occur due to some food allergies. If the food allergic reaction is severe, you should treat it with epinephrine. To stay safe, you must avoid the type of food which causes allergic reactions.
8. Molds
Molds are microscopic allergens. The symptoms of the allergy caused by mold are similar to those of pollen. The mold only survives in wet places. Therefore, it is necessary to keep the wet areas in your homes clean such as bathrooms and basements. The bottom corners of the walls in the kitchen under the sink where water leaks are common can cause molds. So, make sure that you keep these areas not only clean but dry too. Mold can also grow on wet grass and tree trunks. So cut the leaves and grass which has mold on it. The symptoms of mold allergy are from mild to moderate.
9. Insect Stings
Another most common cause of allergy is the insect sting. The sting is poisonous, and many people are allergic to the poison in it. The symptoms are from moderate to severe. The mild symptoms include redness and swelling around the area where the insect stings. It can also cause extensive redness, some form of some nausea, and it can also cause fatigue, fever in a few people which last for several weeks. All these symptoms are not life-threatening. Some allergic reactions are severe, when insect stings it can cause symptoms such as swelling of the tongue, the throat, and many people feel difficulty in breathing and also increased or decreased blood pressure. It is important to treat the people immediately who show severe symptoms. They should be addressed with epinephrine or get allergy shots.
10. Dust Mites
One of the most common causes of allergy in the US is dust mites. These are the microscopic organisms which live on the beds, on the pillows, carpets, and mattresses. These insects feed the human skin. The allergic reactions are not life-threatening but should be treated immediately. Make sure that you keep your house clean. Use sprays to get rid of the dust mites. You can also place the pillows or mattresses under the sun, and the heat will cause the bed mites to leave.
