What am I allergic to?
An allergen is an otherwise harmless substance that the immune system mistakes as being harmful. The immune’s system reaction against an allergen is what causes the symptoms of allergy.
A person with the ‘right genes’ can become allergic to lots of things in their environment. However, usually people are allergic to a relatively small number of things. Allergy testing is required to identify what causes your allergy symptoms. Click on the links below to learn more about the most common allergens.
I am allergic to…
Pets are an important part of many people’s lives. They can also cause aggravating allergy symptoms. Learn about animal allergies and how to treat and control them.
Dust mites are too small to see but can cause big allergy symptoms in some people. Learn about allergies to dust mites and how to treat and control them.
Most people have at least some reaction to the venomous stings of bees, wasps, and related insects. Yet, for people allergic to insect venom, a simple sting can be a serious, even life threatening event. Learn about allergies to insect stings and how to prevent, prepare for, and treat them.
Most people have a bad reaction to food at some point in life. Yet, for people who are truly allergic, even a small taste of certain kinds of food can be life threatening. Find out more about allergies to food and how to avoid, prepare for, and treat them.
Natural rubber, or latex, is everywhere. Allergies to latex have been on the rise and present a special problem for people who work in clinical healthcare. Learn about allergies to latex and how to avoid, prepare for, and treat them.
Penicillin and other medications have given doctors powerful tools to use in the fight against disease. Yet, not everyone can take every medication. Learn about allergies to medications and how to manage them.
Like pollen and dust mites, mold spores are too small to see but can cause big allergy symptoms. Learn about mold allergies and how to avoid, prepare for, and treat them.
Pollen helps repopulate the world with trees, grasses, and other plants. Pollen also causes misery to millions of allergic people around the world. Learn about pollen allergies and how to avoid, prepare for, and treat them.
Some people are allergic to lots of things, others to very few things. The environment, genetics, and the immune system all play a role.
