The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America states that an estimated 50 million Americans suffer from allergies of all types. Allergies are the fifth leading chronic disease in the United States for all ages, and include indoor, outdoor, skin, food, drug and insect allergies. For children ages 18 and younger, allergies are the third most common chronic disease. There are many kinds of allergies and many causes as well.
Food
Food allergies are more prevalent in young children. The most common foods that cause an allergic response include milk, eggs, soy, peanuts, wheat, tree nuts, fish and shellfish. Other food substances capable of producing an allergic response include preservatives and dyes. Allergic reactions to food cause symptoms from mild itching and rash to a potentially life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis.
Pollen
An allergic reaction to pollen causes hay fever with itching, sneezing and excessive mucous production. Common plants that cause hay fever include trees, ragweed and grasses. Hot, windy days produce a higher pollen count than cool, rainy days.
Animal Dander
Vetinfo.com reports that more than 10 percent of pet owners have allergic reactions to cats and dogs. Pet hair is not the source, however. The allergic response is to the dander, dust and pollen that collects on the pet hair. The dander is airborne and can collect on any surface. The lifespan of dander allergens on surfaces lasts for months.
Medications
The National Institutes of Health reports minor skin rashes and hives as the most common drug allergic response. The most serious allergic reaction presents as anaphylactic shock. Penicillin ranks first in the list of medications with reported allergic responses. Other drug allergies include sulfa drugs, anticonvulsants, insulin preparations and iodinated X-ray dyes.
Dust Mites and Cockroaches
The dust mite, a tiny microscopic creature, feeds on human skin scales. Common habitats include pillows, bedding, mattresses and carpet. The feces and dead bodies of mites provoke the allergic response in allergy-prone individuals. The cockroach allergen comes from the feces and saliva of the cockroach, also causing a reaction in some allergy sufferers.
Mold
Mold thrives both indoors and outdoors. Mayo Clinic reports that, while there are many kinds of mold, the molds that most commonly causes allergies include aspergillus, alternaria, penicillium and cladosporium. Damp basements, bathrooms, rugs, books or wallpaper provide a habitat conducive for mold to grow. Outdoor mold lives on damp vegetation and soil as well.
Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac
Poison ivy, oak and sumac contain urishiol, an oil that causes an allergic reaction in people with sensitivity to the allergen. Contact with urishiol occurs directly by touching the plant, indirectly by touching anything the plant contacts and by airborne contact. Released particles from the burned plant settle on the skin and cause an allergic reaction.
Insects
Stinging insects, including bees, wasps, hornets and yellow jackets, produce the most serious allergic reaction to insect venom. Penn State University reports that symptoms of an allergic reaction begin within 15 to 30 minutes after the sting. Symptoms range from itching, coughing and congestion to anaphylaxis, a medical emergency.
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