Food allergies

A food allergy is defined as an abnormal response by the body's immune system that an individual has to a certain food. Food allergies are perhaps the most common form of allergies, or second only to allergies found in the environment. It is reported that nearly 6% of all those who suffer from allergies suffer from food allergies or allergies to certain drugs. A common list of foods that people with food allergies react to include: soy, peanuts, wheat, shellfish, cows milk and berries. While some people with food allergies have symptoms of system intolerance such as diarrhea or bloating, the allergic reaction that others may have could be as severe as death. Food allergies are often stumbled upon by accident when one is very young. This is just one reason why being aware of any reaction that your child may have to a food that is new is very important to pay close attention to. In some cases a child can "grow out" of a food allergy, not carrying that allergy with them into adulthood. Closely related to the food allergy are drug or medication allergies.

Chances are that if you have ever been prescribed an antibiotic, you have been asked if you are allergic to penicillin. This is because penicillin is the most common drug allergy. Other very common medications that people have allergic reactions to include the drug codeine and sulfa drugs. Allergy symptoms include hives, digestive problems, or a rash. In the most severe of drug allergies, anaphylactic shock can occur. Going into anaphylactic shock and not receiving prompt treatment can be fatal. This life threatening allergy must always be reported to your physician or pharmacist before accepting, administering or ingesting any medication.

Dust mite allergies

A dust mite is a microscopic organism that lives in the dust that is found in all dwellings. Contrary to common opinion, dust mites are not just dirt. Dust mites are a collection of particles that can cause allergies. Therefore, although keeping one's house clean and dust free is not always enough to rid oneself of the symptoms of exposure to dust mites. Dust mites are a common cause of perennial allergic rhinitis (also known as hay fever). A dust mite allergy usually produces symptoms similar to pollen allergy and also can produce symptoms of asthma.

Hay fever (allergic reactions to pollen and mold)

Seasonal hay fever is known by a variety of names. One such name is allergy rhinitis. Allergy rhinitis is known as a pollen allergy and is one of the most common allergies in the United States. Hay fever is often mistaken as a cold and therefore people become frustrated when they first develop the allergy but cannot cure or treat the cold symptoms that they are experiencing. Pollen allergy symptoms often include sneezing and coughing. Hay fever is caused by inhaling pollens, ragweed, trees, and grasses. Hay fever is generally a seasonal condition and is often times worse in the spring and fall seasons. Grass pollen allergy is another type of hay fever but it is a more difficult type of allergy to prevent because it is regional and seasonal. Ragweed allergies often accompany hay fever as levels of ragweed often coincide with pollen levels when they are at their highest.

Mold allergies can be developed by having sensitivity to the molds and yeasts that are commonly found both inside and outside of the home. Mold allergies are most common in the summer months. Certain kinds of molds can be toxic, for help in identifying the type of molds that are most dangerous, the Toxic Black Mold Information Center includes tips for finding, cleaning, and preventing indoor mold problems

Outdoor allergies comprise the other part of the most common allergies (food allergies being the first part of common allergies). Experts say that 75% of all allergy suffers struggle with either indoor or outdoor allergies, or a combination of the two. In fact, it is most common for allergy sufferers to suffer from more than one type of indoor/outdoor allergy. The most common outdoor allergy triggers are from various forms of pollen. Outdoor allergies also go by the name of seasonal allergies as they are usually only triggered during certain times of the year. Naturally staying inside during the peak seasons for the allergies that affect you most is the best way to fight off the symptoms of those allergies. But you can also keep car windows rolled up when you are out driving and showering after spending time outdoors to remove pollen that collects on the skin.

Insect stings and bites

People have allergic reactions to insect stings and bites. Bees, fire ants, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets can release their poisons into your body when they bite or sting you and it is this poison that your body reacts to. Insect sting allergies can cause pain, itching and swelling at the site of the insect sting. For most people these symptoms occur instantly but for a few people the symptoms can have a gradual onset and a longer effect on the individual. In the most serious of cases an insect sting or bite can send a person into anaphylactic shock and without immediate medical attention the individual could die.

Skin/Jewelry Allergies

Another common form of allergies is those that relate to skin. It is also known that seven percent of people with allergies have some sort of skin allergy. The most common things that set off skin allergies are plant products or plants themselves such as poison oak or ivy. Most skin reactions happen within 48 hours of contact with the allergen. Some of the most common symptoms are redness, blistering, rashes, and sometimes even severe swelling of the affected area. Some of these symptoms can be avoided or diffused after contact with topical treatments such as lotions and creams. Of course the best way to avoid a reaction is to know what the allergen is and then to avoid it altogether.

Latex

There are even some people who are allergic to latex, a form of rubber that is very common in many situations. Their reaction is to certain proteins that are contained in the rubber and sometimes the symptoms are rashes and itching. The most severe cases can even include respiratory problems that can be quite damaging and distressing as well.

Pet Allergies

Another common form of allergy is that of pet allergies. Many people that have these allergies are triggered by the mere presence of fur from cats or dogs. These are obviously the most commonly reported cases because these are the most common household animals. Some allergies caused by pets are nasal allergies that may cause difficulty breathing or sneezing while in the presence of the fur, or dander as it is sometimes called. Of course there are different levels of severity from person to person and the reactions can be more or less severe depending on the type of animal fur that is present. Some common remedies include, or course, avoiding situations and places where pet hair is a common problem, but also maintaining carpet, furniture and clothing so that hair is not present most of the time. It may also be a good idea to have air filters changed and also to have air ducts cleaned to help keep any lingering pet hair from getting back into the air to aggravate people with allergies to it.