The most common allergens – pollen, mites, food, detergents, insect venom

The proteins that make up the pollen grains of plants and some fungi can cause an allergic reaction. The most common symptoms include sneezing, a runny nose and a stuffy nose. There may also be stinging eyes, watery eyes, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. The seasonal appearance of these symptoms is a characteristic feature of pollen allergy. Photo of BE&W

House dust mites are parasites that live with us in every home. Unfortunately, their remains and faeces are strong allergens. Most mites are found in beds, where they feed on human epidermis. Symptoms of allergy to feces usually appear in the morning, after getting out of bed. Then the following may occur: sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes. Dust mites can also cause asthma. Photo by BE&W Read more: Bronchial asthma (asthma).

Milk proteins are a serious cause of allergies, especially in the early stages of life. Allergy can be manifested by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, as well as skin lesions or swelling around the mouth. Occasionally, coughing and shortness of breath may occur. In the event of this type of allergy, it is best to avoid milk and dairy products. Also read: Diet for diarrhea.

In the case of allergies to strawberries, bananas, apples or citrus – we must remember that allergy may occur not only after eating the fruit itself. Allergy may occur even after eating a product that contains the above-mentioned ingredient, e.g. juice, yoghurt, jam, cookie or other sweets. An allergy to strawberries most often manifests itself as a rash on the body, as well as diarrhea. Citrus can cause rashes and shortness of breath.

Peanuts contain proteins that are one of the strongest allergens. They can even lead to life-threatening anaphylactic shock. An allergic reaction can occur after eating even a small amount of nuts. The most common symptoms of allergy are hives, diarrhea, vomiting and an asthma attack. Learn more on: Anaphylactic Shock.

Fish and seafood are a common cause of food allergies. They contain substances similar in action to histamine (mediator of an allergic reaction) or stimulate the secretion of histamine from mast cells. Allergy is manifested by itching, hives or gastrointestinal disorders: abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, flatulence. There may also appear: swelling of the lips, tongue, face, itching of the palate and throat, coughing or less typical symptoms: burning behind the breastbone, chronic itching of the skin, migraine, and even asthma. Read more about food allergens in the article: Life under the lampshade.

Nickel is a component of many alloys. It occurs, inter alia, in jewelry, dishes, door handles, etc. Contact allergy to nickel is manifested by skin eczema at the point of contact with, for example, jewelry or buttons. Nickel sensitization is detected by skin tests or by oral challenge with nickel salt solution performed on an outpatient basis. Photo of BE&W Read more about allergic reactions!

Detergents, preservatives and dyes in cosmetics and cleaning products can cause contact dermatitis. It is most often manifested by itching, blisters, as well as swelling and redness of the skin. Eating foods high in preservatives may result in food allergies. The number of people suffering from allergy caused by preservatives continues to grow, especially in developed countries. BE&W Photo Learn more about skin eczema!

There are many substances in the venom of insects that initiate an allergic reaction in the body. These include mellitin and apamine. These substances induce the release of histamine. The insect venom also contains histamine itself, which causes a violent allergic reaction. It manifests itself as swelling and exudation at the site of the sting, but can also cause a dangerous anaphylactic shock reaction. Shock may be accompanied by a drop in blood pressure, collapse, and unconsciousness. In Poland, up to several dozen people die every year due to a violent allergic reaction to insect venom. The most dangerous sting is the tongue, which can lead to swelling in the respiratory tract and suffocation. Photo of BE&W

“Skin tests” are the primary method in the diagnosis of allergies. A drop of the antigen solution is applied to the skin prepared by the nurse. The tests are read after approximately 20 minutes. Additionally, the so-called negative control and positive control. The negative control consists of applying the pure solution used to dissolve the antigen to the skin. The positive control is the application of a histamine solution to the skin, which should give an intense skin reaction. A reaction equal to or greater than half the result of the histamine test is considered to be a positive result.