Allergic reactions are symptoms that result from your body creating these antibodies.
Allergens can be airborne or can arise from contact with your skin, from medications, or from food.
This article explains types of allergens, how they work, and their risks.
Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health
It also covers how todiagnose allergiesand treat exposure to allergens.
Your body then produces an immune response against the allergen.
Instead of producing a healthy immune response, it createsIgE antibodiesagainst the allergens.
If you have allergies, your body’s antibodies activate immune cells when you are exposed to an allergen.
Those antibodies attach to specific cells in your body.
Allergy Statistics
Allergies are prevalent.
Types
Different types of allergens affect people in different ways.
For example, some causerespiratorysymptoms, while others result inskin rashesor gastrointestinal upset.
Less frequently, they can also cause a life-threatening allergic reaction.
Airborne Allergens
Airborne allergensare those that you breathe into your respiratory system.
Seasonal allergies and hay fever fall under this category.
Skin Allergens
Skin rashes are a typical response after allergens come into contact with your skin.
These allergies are known as allergiccontact dermatitis.
Common allergens in this category include:
Food Allergens
Food allergenscan range from mild to severe.
When they’re severe, they can causeanaphylactic reactions, which can be fatal.
Although it’s possible to be allergic to any food, some foods aremore commonallergens than others.
It’s possible to have an allergic reaction to any medication.
However, any allergen can cause any allergic symptoms.
Anaphylaxisis an immediate and life-threatening allergic reaction that requires medical treatment.
Anaphylaxis is a swelling of the throat that can make breathing impossible.
Risks
Most of the time, allergens are a nuisance.
However, exposure to them can result in more serious complications.
Some risks of allergen exposure are:
Allergen Tests
Allergistsusually performallergen testingin their offices.
They may perform skin tests or blood tests to diagnose your allergies.
Treatment
There is a wide variety oftreatment optionsfor exposure to allergens.
The best treatment is to avoid the allergen.
However, sometimes that’s not possible or reasonable.
Allergic reactions are symptoms that result from your body creating these antibodies.
Allergies are common, affecting more than 50 million Americans.
Common allergy symptoms include runny nose, congestion, cough, and sneezing, among others.
Less commonly, an allergen can produce a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.
Allergy treatment involves avoiding the allergen and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
If you’re unsure what’s causing your allergies, speak with a healthcare provider.
They can better assist you in determining what you’re allergic to.
A Word From Verywell
If you have allergies, avoid allergens as much as possible.
Sometimes identifying which substances cause reactions is straightforward.
Other times, it can be more challenging to determine what the culprit is that’s causing your symptoms.
An allergist can help you pinpoint which allergens are causing you trouble by performing an allergy test.
They can also help you figure out the best way to manage your allergy symptoms.
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American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Allergy symptoms.
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