What are the most common allergies?
The most common allergies include:
Certain foods
Food allergies develop when your body releases a specific antibody to a particular food. An allergic reaction occurs within minutes of eating the food, and symptoms can be severe. Symptoms may include:
- Itching all over your body (generalized pruritus).
- Itching in just one certain part of your body (localized pruritus).
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Hives.
- Swelling around your mouth, including your throat, tongue or face.
If you have an IgE-mediated food allergy, symptoms may also include anaphylaxis. It may present as any one of the above symptoms or a combination of the above symptoms. It usually occurs within 30 minutes of ingesting a food you’re allergic to.
In adults, the most common food allergies are:
In children, the most common food allergies are:
- Milk.
- Eggs.
- Wheat.
- Soy.
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts.
Inhalants
Inhalant allergies are airborne substances that you inhale (breathe in). They include allergens that may affect you throughout the year (perennial allergens) and seasonal allergens.
Inhalant allergy symptoms include:
- Runny nose.
- Stuffy nose.
- Itchy nose.
- Sneezing.
- Itchy eyes.
- Watery eyes.
If you have asthma, inhalant allergies can also trigger or worsen your symptoms, including wheezing and shortness of breath.
Perennial allergens include:
- Pets. Pet allergens include certain proteins in animal fur, skin (dander), urine (pee) and saliva (spit).
- Dust mites. Dust mites are tiny, eight-legged relatives of spiders. They’re too small to see with your eyes. They live in dust and the fibers of household objects, such as pillows, mattresses, carpets and upholstery.
- co*ckroaches. co*ckroaches are reddish-brown insects that are 1.5 to 2 inches (in) long. The proteins in their feces (poop), spit, eggs and dead body parts can cause allergic reactions.
- Molds. Molds are tiny fungi (plural of fungus). They have spores that float in the air, like pollen. Common mold allergies include Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Alternaria.
Seasonal allergies include pollens. Pollen is microspores from trees, grass or weeds that appear as a fine dust on surfaces or float in the air. Tree pollens generally appear in the spring, while weed pollens generally appear in the fall.
Medications
Certain medications can cause an allergic reaction. The medicines may be herbal, over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription.
Common medications that cause allergies include:
- Antibiotics.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Insulin.
- Chemotherapy drugs.
Symptoms include:
- Rash.
- Hives.
- Itching.
- Shortness of breath.
- Swelling.
Latex
Latex allergies develop after repeated contact with natural rubber latex.
Common natural rubber latex products include:
- Rubber gloves.
- Balloons.
- Condoms.
- Bandages.
- Rubber balls.
The most common reaction to latex is skin irritation (contact dermatitis). It manifests as a rash on the area of skin that touched the latex. It may develop within minutes of exposure to latex. Other symptoms may include:
- Hives.
- Runny nose.
- Itchy nose.
- Difficulty breathing.
Venoms/stinging insects
Stinging insects can inject venom, which is a toxic substance. The venom in insect stings can cause an allergic reaction. The most common stinging insects that cause allergic reactions include:
- Bees.
- Fire ants.
- Hornets.
- Wasps.
- Yellow jackets.
Venom symptoms are consistent with anaphylaxis. They may include:
- Difficulty breathing.
- Hives.
- Swelling in your face, mouth or throat.
- Wheezing.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Rapid pulse.
- Dizziness.
- Drop in blood pressure.
Can allergies cause a fever?
No, allergies can’t cause a fever.
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What causes allergies?
Allergies develop when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance or protein.
Are allergies contagious?
No, allergies aren’t contagious. You can’t spread your allergies to another person.
