An allergen is any substance that is recognized by the immune systems and is the cause of an allergic reaction. The substance most often is eaten or inhaled; some are even those caused by a scratch on the skin. Dust, pollen, and pet dander are all common allergens. Food like nuts, sea food, milk products, and fermented foods can be the cause of allergy symptoms in many people.

Giving a comprehensive list of allergens would be impossible. Neither would giving a common list be prudent because allergies are specific to persons. One person may exhibit a skin allergy where as another cat allergy. Some allergies are well known where as others are not. Perfume allergy and deodorant allergies are not so common.

Causative Factors

Common allergic reactions are due to the following causative factors. This list is not comprehensive and is based on statistical data of most occurring allergens. Airborne particles that cause hay fever are grass, weeds, birch trees, pollen, mold spores. Similarly a common list of food items that cause allergy are nuts, sesame, eggs, legumes(peas, beans, soybeans etc ), milk products, wheat, corn, and maize are a few. Insects that cause allergic reactions are bees (sting), wasps (sting) , Cockroach (calyx), Dust mite (excretion), animal hair and dander. Some drugs like penicillin, sulfonamides, salicylates (found in fruits) and local anesthetics produce adverse allergic reactions in some allergic patients.

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is an extremely serious form of allergic reaction that can kill in minutes. It can involve various areas of the body such as the skin, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract and the cardio-vascular system. The annual occurrences of anaphylactic related incidents are 30 per 100,000.

Symptoms may occur with in minutes of contact with the allergen. It may also take two to four hours for the symptoms to be exhibited. Sometimes the symptoms occur of a short span of time then subside and after a period of time may occur again. This characteristic is called "biphasic reaction ?; where the symptoms have occurred in phases. Life threatening situations may progress as the time goes by.

Natural allergy relief is an easy way. Eye allergy relief to treat eye allergies or even having allergy relief products along with you can go a long way in preventing untimely situations.

Symptoms of Anaphylaxis

The allergic reaction occurs in extremities and may begin with

A tingling sensation, metallic taste or itching sensation in the mouth.

A sensation of warmth

Asthma symptoms

Difficulty in breathing

Swelling of mouth and throat

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Cramping

Drop in blood pressure resulting in loss of consciousness. Often symptoms occur in the respiratory system and take the victim by surprise.

Symptoms are due to the chemicals that are spread through out the body due to the explosion of the MAST cells. Allergic people have have tiny molecules called IgE anti-bodies. These are tiny antennae that tell the body when an allergen has entered into the body. These antennae are attached to cells called MAST cells. When the allergens enter the body it latches on to the IgE cells and causes the MAST cells to explode thereby causing the sending of chemicals (usually histamine) through out the body.

Are you at risk?

If you have a previous history of anaphylaxis then you are definitely at risk. Individuals who have particular allergies to food and also have asthma are at an increased risk to life threatening Anaphylaxis. Teenagers are especially a high risk category. This is because they eat at places away from home and are less likely to carry medication or allergy products for allergy relief. Many times they even ignore the symptoms.

Those who have a history of allergy in the family are advised to check out it they have the same allergic reaction. Identify your allergies and carry your medication around. This is the best solution.