Categories Of Allergens

Some normally harmful substances can turn your life into a nightmare. Allergens are the culprits. A person without allergies could encounter allergens without reacting to any of them. On the other hand, a person with allergies could enter the same situation and experience a runny nose, itching, sneezing, trouble breathing or worse. Several types of allergens trigger allergic reactions. Your reaction depends on your immune system's sensitivity to the allergen.

Animal Allergens

• When it comes to animals and allergens, household pets are the most common trigger. A widespread belief is that dog hair and cat fur are what triggers allergic reactions. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that the allergens are actually found in proteins located in dog and cat saliva. The proteins attach to the hair and fur when an animal licks itself. The urine of other household animals, such as guinea pigs, contain allergens as well. Rugs and furniture retain animal allergens and can remain infected for up to six weeks. Allergens also remain in a house for months after an animal is gone.

Food Allergens

• Food that tastes great to one person could actually kill someone else. Food allergens shock the immune system and often cause life-threatening symptoms. The University of Rochester Medical Center reports that 90 percent of food allergens come from milk, eggs, wheat, soy, tree nuts, peanuts, fish and shellfish. Children with food allergies are most affected by eggs, milk and peanuts. However, all food allergies possibly can cause vomiting, upset stomach, breathing difficulties, cramps, hives, dry skin and swelling in the mouth, tongue and lips. Most people outgrow food allergies, but some have allergies to tree nuts, shellfish and peanuts for their entire lives.

Environmental Allergens

• You can live in or walk into an environment that's full of allergens. For example, pollen is an allergen that is often in the air. A simple activity such as walking in your yard could result in a nasty reaction if you're sensitive to pollen. Dust mites, also allergens, can pose a threat inside your home. Dust mites are impossible to detect because they are microscopic organisms invisible to the naked eye. If you have allergies while in your home, and you don't have a pet, that's a clue that dust mites are present. Rush University Medical Center reports that dust mites enjoy humid and warm environments. The mites survive by eating shed human skin, which leads to them producing waste that acts as an allergen. Asthma and skin reactions are the most common symptoms of exposure to dust mites. Some ways to reduce dust mite exposure include enclosing mattresses and pillows in dust-proof covers.

Insect Stings

• Stings from fire ants, yellow jackets, hornets, wasps and bees often do more than just hurt. Venom from those insects acts as an allergen and often trigger severe allergic reactions. After a person is stung, the body produces a substance called "IgE antibody." In some instances, the IgE antibody reacts violently to the insect venom. In mild cases, the affected person might experience burning, itching or swelling. In severe cases, the affected person might experience a swollen tongue or throat, dizziness, migraine headache or breathing problems. The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia reports that an allergic reaction to an insect sting also can result in shock and loss of consciousness.