Allergies are a hypersensitive response of the body to a specific allergen that has been ingested, injected, inhaled or absorbed through the skin. The results may be sneezing, wheezes, rash, itchy eyes, runny nose or diarrhea. The severity of an allergic reaction ranges from mild to the most severe, known as anaphylaxis--a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical intervention.
Food Allergies
According to the Food and Drug Administration, more than 160 different foods have been associated with allergic reactions. There are, however, eight foods identified that account for 90 percent of the allergic reactions: milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soybeans. Hives, rash and wheezing are some symptoms of food allergies.
Pollen
Pollen is the microscopic grain that's required for a plant to reproduce. Pollen allergies are cyclical with the seasons. Most people experience symptoms in early spring when the trees and grass begin to bud. Ragweed, Timothy grass, oak trees and cedar trees are at the top of the list of pollen culprits. Sneezing and red, itchy eyes are common symptoms of pollen allergies.
Animal Dander
Animal dander is an allergen for millions of Americans, according to allergybegone.com. The dander (or skin flakes), along with the saliva and urine of a cat or dog, is the main source of the allergic reaction.
Dust Mites
Dust mites thrive in bedding, carpeting and upholstered furniture in a warm and humid environment. The dust mite feeds on the skin cells people shed. They are so tiny that they can only be seen through a microscope. The allergen is the mite droppings or feces the mite leaves behind. Allergy symptoms include wheezing or itching.
Insect Stings
Stinging insects produce a venom to which some people have an allergic response. Stinging insects include yellow jackets, honeybees, bumblebees, paper wasps, hornets and fire ants. Insect stings can produce life-threatening symptoms for insect-allergic people, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.
Molds
Mold is a fungal organism found in damp, warm and dark locations. It's most prevalent with high humidity and can be found in the outdoors or inside a home or building. Types of mold include Aspergillus, Stachybotrys, Cladosporium, Fusarium and Penicillium. The mycotoxins produced from mold spores can cause asthma, sinusitis, headache and skin rashes.
Latex
Latex allergy is the body's response to the natural latex allergen in the milky fluid from the rubber tree. Latex is commonly found in rubber gloves used in the health care industry. Latex manufacturing employees are also subject to developing an allergic reaction.
Medication
The National Jewish Health reports that medication allergies and adverse side effects are sometimes difficult to differentiate. A true allergy is the immune system creating IgE antibodies against the substance. Side effects may vary, but an allergic reaction occurs every time the medication is taken. Antibiotics, especially penicillin, are the top offender for medication allergies.
Cosmetic
Soaps, deodorants, perfumes, sunscreens and lipsticks are cosmetic products used every day that can evoke an allergic response. Contact dermatitis, or rash, is the most common reaction. In severe cases, asthma symptoms may be triggered by the allergic reaction, according to yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com.
Smoke
The allergens responsible for tobacco smoke allergies include toxic chemicals and irritants. Allergic responses include headache, sneezing, difficulty breathing and watery eyes. The smell of smoke on a person's clothing or hair can cause an allergic reaction for hypersensitive people.
