What are allergens?

An allergen is any substance, whether airborne or not, that triggers an allergic reaction if inhaled, swallowed or touched in any way distinctive. These allergens trick your immune system into believing that they're harmful to the body. Your immune system overreacts and releases antibodies to fight these substances. You then suffer from several allergy symptoms consciously or unconsciously.

There are billions of types of allergens that are responsible for causing allergies, but the most common include:

Inhalants irritants:

• Mildew
• Molds
• Dust
• Fungus spores
• Food particles
• Chemicals (in foods, cosmetics etc.)
• Mites
• Pollen
• Tree pollen (cedar, oak, ash etc.)
• Grass pollen (especially Bermuda)
• Weed pollen (ragweed)
• Animal dander
• Dry skin flakes
• Fabric fibers
• Insect species (especially cockroaches)
• Cold air

Foods such as:

• Soy
• Wheat
• Nuts
• Milk
• Eggs
• Chocolate
• Spices
• Alcohol

Chemicals such as:

• Gas
• Perfumes
• Chlorine
• Air fresheners

Other environmental causes such as:

• Metals
• Cigarette smoke etc.

Other topics on allergies:

1. Allergies.
2. Can allergies be caused by fever in early ages?
3. Could I have Asthma?
4. Asthma in women.
5. Symptoms of drug or medication allergies
6. Environmental causes of allergies
7. Is there a time of the day or season when are allergy symptoms gets worse?
8. Inhalants or Respiratory allergies