What Does Allergen Mean?

Allergens are substances that are typically not harmful to people, but for some people they can be deadly. This is because their bodies inaccurately react to the allergen as a dangerous substance.

Immune Response

• When an allergen enters the body of a person who is allergic to it, his immune system identifies it as harmful and attacks the allergen by producing antibodies.

Types

• Many common items such as pollen, dust, grass, pets, medications, smoke and foods can be allergens. Food allergens include wheat, milk, peanuts, shellfish, and fruit.

Identification

• Skin tests can help identify potential allergens. Doctors put a small amount of potential allergens on the skin, prick it, and check for swelling and redness that indicate if the patient is allergic.

Symptoms

• Allergens can cause a variety of symptoms, most commonly sneezing, coughing, runny nose, swelling and hives. In severe cases, shortness or loss of breath can occur.

Treatment

• Most allergies are treated by simply avoiding the allergen. Sometimes this is impossible, such as with seasonal allergies to pollen. In these cases, taking an allergy medication can help control the symptoms.