![]() In technical terms, an allergen is a non-parasitic antigen that is capable of stimulating a type-I hypersensitivity reaction in atopic individuals and thus conflict them with allergy. Most humans mount significant Immunoglobulin E (IgE) responses only as a defence against parasitic infections. However, some individuals mount an IgE response against common environmental antigens. This hereditary predisposition in an individual is called atopy. In atopic individuals, non-parasitic antigens stimulate inappropriate IgE production, leading to type I hypersensitivity. Sensitivities of individuals vary from one person to another and it is possible to be allergic to an extraordinary range of substances. Types of Allergens Dust mite excretion, pollen and pet dander are all common allergens; however it is possible to be allergic to anything, even from chlorine or perfume. Food allergies are not as common as food sensitivity, but some foods such as peanuts, a legume, nuts, seafood and shellfish are the cause of serious allergies in many people. Officially, 8 kinds of foods as being common for allergic reactions in a large segment of the sensitive population, which includes, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, milk, shellfish, fish, wheat and their derivatives, soy and their derivatives, and sulphites, which are chemical based, often found in flavours and colours in foods. A few people have been recorded to be allergic to certain chemicals that are found in almost all water forms. ![]() Eating or drinking an item that the person is sensitive to (ingestion), breathing in pollen, perfume or pet dander (inhalation), or brushing body against an allergy-causing plant (direct contact, generally resulting in hives) can cause allergy. Other common causes of serious allergy are wasp, fire ant and bee stings, penicillin, and latex. An extremely serious form of an allergic reaction, which can kill anyone in few minutes, is called anaphylaxis. One form of treatment is the administration of sterile epinephrine (via "Epi-Pen") to the person experiencing anaphylaxis, which suppresses the body's overreaction to the food ingested. After some time, the patient has to be transported to a medical facility. Pollens are very common allergens. The house dust mite, its feces and chitin are also common allergens around the home. In addition to foreign proteins found in foreign serum (from blood transfusions) and vaccines. Other Common Allergens An allergen is an antigen which is most often eaten or inhaled, that is recognized by the immune system and causes an allergic reaction. Any form of direct contact with the allergen can cause an allergic reaction. |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||