Blog

Allergen Types

Allergens can exist in what seems like endless forms. To name a few, there are food, skin, dust, pollen, insect sting, animal dandruff, latex, mold, and cockroach allergies. Depending on a person’s lifestyle, he or she may be exposed to more or less of these allergens. It is important for people to be aware of common allergens, so they can more easily identify what may have caused an allergic reaction. Due to how many potential triggers there are in the environment, it can be difficult for someone to narrow down the root of the allergy problem.

An allergy doctor, like an allergist in Falls Church, VA from Black & Kletz Allergy, can consult with patients on an individual basis, and recommend strategies that can at least minimize symptoms associated with an allergy. Here we have gone into detail about a few of the main types of allergies, but are happy to talk with you further about other common allergens.

Food Allergy

A food allergy reaction can occur when the immune system reacts to a food item or certain ingredient. The body overreacts to the food, identifying it as a potential danger which triggers the allergy response. Food allergies can range from mild to severe, and food that triggered someone one time may not happen on all occasions. The most common foods that cause allergy reactions in patients include:

• Eggs
• Peanuts
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Tree Nuts
• Milk
• Soy
• Wheat

Skin Allergy

An allergy doctor often sees patients who are distressed over red, itchy, irritating, and bumpy skin in which they aren’t sure of the cause. Rashes can be caused by a variety of things, including contact with plants, eating triggering foods, or by taking certain medications. If the skin reaction is due to an allergy, we can suggest how to treat your condition so you can live in less discomfort and pain.

Dust Allergy

While many people cannot wait to get home at the end of every work day, they may walk in and encounter dust that triggers uncomfortable symptoms. An allergic response to dust usually entails sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Many people may be inclined to clean to get rid of the dust, but the process of cleaning can stir up these particles, making it much easier to inhale.

Cockroach Allergy

What many patients may not realize, is that the unsightly cockroaches they see skitter across the floor occasionally, can become a serious allergen. The shedding, feces, and saliva of cockroaches can be enough to trigger a person’s allergies and/or asthma. As with dust, people may be even more aggravated after intense cleaning, when allergens are swept up into the air.

An allergy doctor can understand that itchy, watery eyes, and an unrelenting cough, can be enough to interrupt your daily routine. Squinting and sneezing constantly can be draining of your energy and mental clarity. Please call for a free allergy consultation!