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Causes and Common Triggers of Allergies
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Written by Natural Standard Research Collaboration
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Tuesday, 15 January 2008
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- Most allergies are inherited, which means they are passed on to children by their parents. Although people inherit a tendency to be allergic, they may not inherit an allergy to the same allergen. When one parent is allergic, their child has a 50% chance of having allergies. That risk jumps to 75% if both parents have allergies.
- Typically, an allergic response is not triggered the first time the body encounters the allergen. The first, or several times after the body is exposed to an allergen, the immune system becomes sensitized and prepares to react to the next encounter with the allergen. Once sensitized, the immune system can quickly detect the drug in the body and produce immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies trigger the release of chemical mediators, including histamine, which may cause allergic symptoms up to and including anaphylaxis.
- Common allergy triggers include pollen, dust mites, molds, animal dander, latex, foods and insect venom.
Common Triggers:
- Pollen: Each spring, summer and fall, plants release tiny particles called pollen into the air in order to reproduce. Pollen from plants, such as ragweed, can trigger allergy symptoms.
- Dust: Dust mites are microscopic organisms that live in dust and in the fibers of household objects like pillows, mattresses and carpets. Dust mites prefer warm, humid areas. Household dust is a combination of potentially allergenic materials, including fibers from different fabrics, animal dander, bacteria, mold, fungus spores, food particles, bits of plants or other allergens.
- Molds: Molds are parasitic, microscopic fungi (like Penicillium) that have spores that float in the air like pollen. Mold is a common trigger for allergies, and it is usually found in damp areas, such as the basement or bathroom, as well as outside in grass, leaf piles, hay or mulch. In some people, symptoms of mold allergy may be triggered or worsened after eating certain foods, such as cheese processed with fungi. Mold spores peak during hot, humid weather.
- Animal dander: Animals secrete oily fluids from their skin, which contain allergens. These fluids collect on fur, feathers and other surfaces inside the home. Proteins in the animal's saliva also cause allergic reactions. The allergens are capable of triggering reactions for several months. Allergies to animals can take two or more years to develop, and symptoms may not subside until months after discontinuing contact with the animal.
- Latex: Latex, a substance found in products like rubber gloves or condoms, can also trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people. A component of the latex substance itself is an allergen. In addition, the latex glove powder residue is an airborne allergen that causes upper airway allergic reactions in some people. Latex reactions may cause a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) about 220 cases of anaphylaxis and three deaths per year are attributed to latex allergies.
- Foods: Food allergens are those parts of foods, usually proteins, which lead to allergic reactions. Most allergens can still cause allergic reactions even after they are cooked or have been digested. However, some allergens (usually from fruit and vegetables) only cause allergic reaction if eaten raw. These reactions are usually limited to the mouth and throat. According to the AAAAI, six foods, including milk, peanuts, soy, eggs, wheat and tree nuts (like pecans and walnuts), cause 90% of food allergies in children. Children usually outgrow allergies to milk, eggs and soy, but peanut, tree nut, fish and shellfish allergies continue throughout adulthood.
- Insect venom: The honeybee, yellowjacket, paper wasp, white-faced hornet (bald-faced hornet) and fire ant are among the most common insects that trigger insect sting or bite allergies. Since the stinger is a modified egg-laying apparatus, only females can sting.
Copyright ‚© 2007 Natural Standard Inc.
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