Allergy is one of the most common diseases in the world. Allergens or substances that cause allergy vary from one person to another. For some people, it may be weeds, for some other it may be food, dust, pollens or even cockroaches!Sometimes, human body reacts inappropriately to a usually harmless substance (allergens), which in turn leads to the production of antibodies.
As a result, certain chemicals are released in the body to fight the invasion and the person starts experiencing various allergic symptoms that affect the eyes, nose, throat, skin, lungs and other body parts. This is your body’s effort to get rid of the allergens. In future, when the person gets in contact with the same allergen, the symptoms may recur.
The Most Common Allergens
Pollens from trees, grass and weeds are the main cause of allergy for millions of people. Pollen allergy is seasonal. Allergy due to tree pollen usually occurs in the spring season during pollination. Grass and weed allergy occurs mainly in summers.
Dust mite allergy can affect anyone anytime. These tiny insects are found everywhere and they feed on the dead skin cells of our body. They are usually found in warm, moist environments. Bed, upholstered furniture, carpets, clothes, pillows are a perfect growing environment for dust mites. Keep them clean to avoid the allergens. Cockroaches also trigger allergies and asthma in many people.
Mold is yet another allergen that is known to trigger an allergic reaction.
Molds are fungi usually found in moist or damp areas. They grow generally on decomposing logs, leaves, grass, grains, drywall, carpeting, in short wherever there is moisture. If a mold is disturbed, it will spread the spores into the air, which will set off allergic reactions. Farmers, loggers, bakers, carpenters are more susceptible to mold allergy.
People with pets at home are more likely to suffer from animal dander allergy.
But, as these allergens are sticky and get glued to soft materials such as carpets or clothes, they are difficult to get rid of. The skin, urine and saliva of some pets are some such triggers. A person suffering from dander allergy should keep away from the pet. Bathing the pet daily will also help minimize the allergy.
Food and Allergies
It is not only dust, pollens or other airborne allergens that cause allergy in people, food can also cause allergy. It is really disappointing when the food you like the most causes you an allergy. Eggs, milk, nuts, shellfish, soy, wheat, coffee, meat, avocado, corn and even wine and beer can trouble you with an allergy.
Some people are allergic to cereals such as oats, maize, rye, barley and even rice. It will be surprising to know, but coconut may also cause an allergy. Few people can’t even eat fruits or vegetables because of oral allergy. Cooked vegetables can minimize the problem to an extent. Beef, mutton, pork and chicken can also set off an allergy attack.
What can be more sorrowful when chocolate and cheese turn out to be allergens?
Common allergens and their reactions vary from person to person. If not food and airborne allergens, certain medications or chemicals may cause you an allergy. One best solution is to find out the allergens and keep away from them. Prevention is always better than cure!