1. Your Overactive Immune System
Allergies occur when the body's defences react to usually harmless substances, like pollen, dander, or food. Reactions can range from mild to life-threatening. In the US, allergies effect around 30% of adults and 40% of children.
2. Pollen
Plant pollen can cause hay fever symptoms like sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, and itchy or watery eyes. Treatments include OTC products, prescription drugs, and allergy shots. Prevent symptoms by staying indoors on windy days with high pollen counts, closing windows, and using air conditioning.
3. Animal Dander
If you're allergic to pets, it's likely due to proteins in their saliva or skin oil glands. Allergy symptoms may start after 2 years. However, you can still live with pets by keeping your bedroom pet-free, choosing bare floors and washable rugs, regularly bathing them, and using a HEPA filter and allergy shots to manage symptoms.
4. Dust Mites
Tiny bugs live in bedding, mattresses, upholstery, carpets, and curtains. They feed on dead skin cells, pollen, bacteria, and fungi. They like high humidity. To reduce problems, use hypoallergenic pillows, cover mattresses, pillows, and box springs, and wash sheets weekly in hot water. Keep the house free of dust-collecting items like stuffed animals, curtains, and carpet.
5. Insect Stings
Insect bites can cause swelling, redness, and discomfort for up to a week. Some may experience stomach issues, fatigue, and a low fever. In rare cases, bites can be life-threatening and lead to anaphylaxis. Immediate use of epinephrine is necessary for severe allergies. Allergy shots may be advised by a doctor for prevention.
6. Mold
Mold needs moisture to thrive; it is commonly found in damp spaces like basements, bathrooms, grass, and mulch. It's important to avoid activities like leaf raking that can expose you to mold spores and trigger allergy symptoms. Ensure proper ventilation in moist areas of your home.
7. Food
Common food allergies include milk, shellfish, eggs, nuts, wheat, soy, and fish. Symptoms can range from trouble breathing and hives to vomiting, diarrhea, and swelling around the mouth. Severe reactions require emergency medical help, so call 911 and use your prescribed epinephrine pen if needed.
8. Latex
Latex, found in gloves, condoms, and medical devices, can cause various reactions, from itchy skin to severe anaphylaxis. Symptoms include rash, eye irritation, runny nose, and difficulty breathing. Allergic individuals should wear a medical alert bracelet and carry an epinephrine kit if prescribed.
9. Medication
Some drugs, like penicillin and aspirin, can cause allergic reactions like hives, itchy eyes, stuffiness, and swelling in your face, mouth, and throat. If you're allergic to a drug, avoid taking it. Consult your doctor for alternative options or treatments if necessary.
10. Cockroaches
Roaches are triggered by proteins in droppings. Get rid of them in warm climates or flats with bug killer, clean the kitchen, and fix cracks in floors, walls, and windows.