You may find it interesting to learn that your allergic reaction is actually an immune response to different substances in your body that your immune system mistakenly identifies as harmful. If you suffer from any type of allergy you should know you aren’t alone.
Around 50 million Americans each year suffer right along with you in solidarity.
These substances, which can include pollen and dander, are called allergens. These allergens and our immune reactions combine to form the U.S.’s 6th leading cause of chronic illness every year. Whether you suffer from allergies or have a loved one who does, being educated about allergies can be beneficial in aiding you to assist in quelling extreme reactions as well as reducing mild symptoms. Read on to learn about the top 10 most common allergies.
Food allergies are among the most popular allergens and these 8 foods form 90% of all currently known food allergies
Animal allergens are proteins that are typically secreted through bodily fluids such as sweat or saliva. These proteins adhere to an animal's fur and can get left behind on surfaces the animal has had contact with.
Carpets, bedding, and clothing are some of the most notorious surfaces for trapping pet hair containing allergens.
Cat dander, especially, is infamous for producing a reaction called allergic asthma. Allergic asthma can include similar symptoms to asthma such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
The most common causes of pollen allergies include trees, weeds, and grasses. These plants produce small seeds that travel through wind causing symptoms a lot of us are familiar with including; congestion, watery eyes, and sinus pressure.
Pollen can travel into your home through your clothing or wind and get trapped in drapes, rugs, or other fabric surfaces similar to animal allergens causing the continuation of symptoms indoors.
An allergic reaction to mold is caused by the inhalation of mold spores.
Symptoms include watery eyes, coughing, and even breaking out in hives.
Antihistamines, nasal sprays, and allergy shots can all assist in relieving symptoms of a mild allergy.
Keeping your living area clean is a great defense in combating dust mites because their diet consists of bacteria and dead skin cells found in dust. After the digestion process, the waste produced by dust mites contains proteins that can cause allergic reactions in humans.
Mattresses, couches, and stuffed animals can be dust mite breeding grounds.
Allergic reactions caused by medication can happen through ingestion or even through topical application resulting in a rash or hives. Discontinuing the medication is the best defense against medicinal allergens.
A very common type of medicinal allergy is caused by Penicillin which is an antibiotic derived from penicillin molds.
Latex is made from a rubber tree sap that contains proteins that can cause allergic reactions in some people. The reaction is typically caused by contact with Latex and can result in a topical rash.
Insect bites and stings can cause a wide variety of symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Most people will only develop minimal swelling and some itching caused by the bite or sting. Few people, however, can develop a serious reaction called anaphylactic shock which can result in fainting, low blood pressure, nausea, and more. In an allergic reaction this severe it is necessary to administer an epi-pen to the sufferer.
The Protein that causes an allergic reaction to cockroaches is actually found in the feces of this insect. It’s Interesting to learn that cockroaches can also be a common cause of asthma, especially in you g children.
Some people can be sensitive to the chemicals in fragrances found in cleaners, soaps, air fresheners and perfumes. These allergies typically cause symptoms that result in a rash or hives.
This list only encompasses the 10 most common allergies, but the actual total count is innumerable. People all over the world suffer from allergies specific to them that can often be inherited or caused by genetic factors. Most allergies can be managed, but none can be completely cured. Because of this, it is very important to be aware of how our environment affects those who suffer from the allergies listed above and the many more that weren’t.