What Are Allergies? 5 Types of Allergens and How to Treat Them (2024)

• Allergies occur when foreign proteins, or allergens, enter your body, resulting in your immune system creating ahigher level of antibodies to fight off the allergen.
• Allergies are extremely common. Approximately 25.7% of adults in the U.S. have seasonal allergies.
• Allergies can be treated through medications and avoiding allergens that may cause areaction.

Allergies result from your body fighting against foreign proteins (allergens). To protect you from foreign proteins, your immune system make antibodies to fight them off. If you are allergic to aspecific protein, your immune system reacts, and may overcompensate to protect you from the allergen, which can result in an allergic reaction.

Foreign proteins, such as those in certain foods or medications, are often considered harmless on their own. However, if your body is allergic to them, they can cause symptoms, illness, and other issues.

What is an Allergic Reaction?

An allergic reaction occurs as aresponse to an allergen. The immune system protects the body from illness and unknown proteins. When an allergen enters your body for the first time, your immune system responds by creating an antibody to fight the allergen. When this occurs, you may experience symptoms ranging from mild to severe. These allergic reactions occur each time you encounter asubstance you are allergic to.

While some reactions are mild, such as an itchy nose or watery eyes, in some cases, you may experience severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, which could be fatal or life-threatening reaction.

How Common Are Allergies?

Allergies are extremely common and can affect anyone. Some allergies may exist when you are born, while others can develop as youage.

If you have afamily history of allergies, you are at ahigher risk of developing them. Additionally, allergens may affect you more severely if you have asthma or similar allergic diseases.

The cause of all types of allergies is the immune system’s reaction to an allergen entering your body. Symptoms, issues, or allergic reactions happen as your body develops antibodies to fight off the allergen.

Can You Develop Allergies as anAdult?

While some allergies occur during childhood, developing allergies as an adult is possible. Some types of allergies, such as pollen, may affect you more as an adult if you’ve changed your environment or are exposed to new types of allergens you didn’t previously experience as achild.

Food allergies can also develop in adulthood, though the reasons aren’t fully understood. It is known that if you develop afood allergy as an adult, it’s unlikely you will ever outgrow it.

There are multiple types of allergens, including food, medications, and inhalants.

Food Allergies

A food allergy occurs when antibodies are released when you eat aspecific food. Symptoms can occur quickly after consumption and range from mild to severe.

Some of the more common food allergens in adults include:

• Milk ordairy
• Eggs
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Shellfish
• Wheat
• Soy

Additionally, if you have apollen allergy, you may experience an allergic reaction known as oral allergy syndrome (OAS), which usually occurs after eating fresh or raw fruits, nuts, or vegetables, as they may be contaminated with pollen.

Inhalants

Allergies associated with inhalants usually stem from airborne allergens breathed into the body. There are two types of inhalant allergen categories: seasonal allergies and perennial allergies. Seasonal allergies are allergens that occur during certain times of the year while perennial allergens are inhalants that can happen all yearlong.

Seasonal Allergens

Seasonal allergies involve pollen, and those with seasonal allergies may notice symptoms occur in the spring and summer when the pollen count is much higher. Symptoms for seasonal allergies usually lessen or go away entirely during the fall and winter.

Pollen can result from outdoor plants suchas:

• Grass
• Trees
• Weeds
• Flowers

Perennial Allergens

Unlike seasonal allergens, perennial allergens can occur throughout theyear.

Some examples of perennial allergens include:

• Mold spores
• Fungi
• Dust mites
• Smoke
• Smog
• Car emissions
• Factory emissions
• Pet dander/​fur

Medications

While medications often come with side effects, specific types of medicine may trigger an allergic reaction for some people.

Examples of medications that can cause an allergic reaction include:

• Antibiotics
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Insulin
• Chemotherapy drugs

Latex

Latex is anatural rubber that most commonly causes skin irritation, though it can also cause additional symptoms in somecases.

Examples of standard latex products are:

• Rubber gloves
• Condoms
• Balloons
• Rubber balls
• Bandages

Venom/​Stinging Insects

Stinging insects can inject venom into the body, triggering an allergic reaction.

Some examples of insects that can cause an allergic reaction include:

• Bees
• Hornets
• Wasps
• Yellowjackets
• Fire ants

Most Common Types of Allergens

The most common allergens that occur in adults include:

• Pollen: fine yellow powder distributed through the air by wind, birds, insects, etc., to help fertilize plants.
• Peanuts:legumes that are the second-leading allergen in adults.
• Tree nuts:examples include walnuts, almonds, cashews, pecans, hazelnuts, and pistachio nuts.
• Shellfish:examples include shrimp, crab, lobster, clams, prawns, oysters, mussels, squid, snails, and scallops.
• Animal dander:skin cells that animals shed that attach to fur or feathers (or, in some cases, spit, saliva, orurine).

The specific allergy symptoms depend on the type of allergen you’re allergic to and how much of asevere reaction your body hastoit.

Food Allergies

Examples of food allergy symptoms may include:

• Itching all over yourbody
• Itching in just one particular part of yourbody
• Nausea and vomiting
• Hives
• Swelling around your mouth, throat, tongue, orface

Symptoms of OAS are confined to the lips, mouth, and throat and can include:

• Itching or tingling on the lips, mouth, and throat
• Nausea
• Hives orrash
• Bumps on lips andmouth

Inhalants

Examples of inhalant allergy symptoms (seasonal or perennial) may include:

• Runny nose
• Stuffy nose
• Itchy nose
• Sneezing
• Itchy eyes
• Watery eyes

Medications

Examples of medication allergy symptoms may include:

• Rash
• Hives
• Itching
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling

Latex

Examples of latex allergy symptoms may include:

• Hives
• Runny or itchynose
• Difficulty breathing

Venom/​Stinging Insects

Examples of venom or stinging insect allergy symptoms may include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Hives
• Swelling in your face, mouth, or throat
• Rapid pulse
• Dizziness
• Drop in blood pressure
• Wheezing
• Difficulty swallowing

Anaphylaxis is severe and can be alife-threatening reaction. It most often occurs due to food, medicine, or insect-related allergies and can happen quickly after contact with an allergen.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

• Swelling of the tongue or throat
• Trouble breathing or breathing rapidly
• Trouble swallowing or feeling your throat tighten
• Feeling faint or fainting
• Wheezing or coughing
• Skin that turns blue, gray, or pale, including lips and tongue
• Skin that is cold to thetouch

If aperson knows they are at risk for anaphylaxis, they will be prescribed an epi-pen (an adrenaline auto-injector). This can help relax the muscles and level out blood pressure. Epi-pens are the most effective treatments available for anaphylaxis.

If aperson goes into anaphylactic shock, call 911 immediately.

If you suspect you may have allergies, such as prolonged symptoms, you should speak with your primary care provider who may put you in touch with an allergy specialist known as an allergist. Allergists can help diagnose any potential allergens.

To determine an allergen diagnosis, an allergist may run afew allergy tests to see if your body has areaction to the suspected allergen. Some of the tests include skin tests, blood tests, and food allergy tests.

Skin Test

Skin tests often deliver the most accurate and fastest results to determine allergens. There are two types of skin tests that an allergist may administer:

• Skin Prick Test: Asmall drop of asuspected allergen is placed on the skin, then the skin is pricked slightly to allow the allergen to enter the body. If the area swells up, is itchy, or becomes extremely red and sensitive, you are considered sensitive to the allergen.
• Intradermal Skin Test: Aneedle is inserted, and the allergen is administered underneath afew layers of skin. This test may be performed if you have adrug or insect allergy or if the skin prick test comes back negative despite further allergy suspicion.

Multiple allergens may be tested simultaneously, and skin prick test results usually appear in approximately fifteen minutes, whereas intradermal skin tests may take longer. After administering the tests, the allergist will provide acream to help soothe the irritated areas. The swelling and irritation will disappear in 30minutes to afew hours.

Blood Test

A blood test involves sending adrop of your blood to alab, where it is tested for different allergens. If your blood sample creates ahigher amount of antibodies to fight off the allergen, you will be diagnosed with an allergy.

This test is usually performed if you take medications that could affect askin test and are often more expensive. Blood tests produce less accurate results than skin tests and are generally only administered if askin test isn’t possible.

Food Allergy Test

To determine if you have afood allergy, there are typically two tests that are administered:

• Elimination diet: an allergist will ask you to eliminate certain suspected allergen foods from your diet for approximately 2–4 weeks. If your symptoms go away, you’ll be asked to introduce some of those foods into your diet again to see if the symptoms emerge. If they return, you’re likely allergic to thosefoods.
• Oral food challenge: atest administered in amedical office with an allergist present that involves you eating small doses of suspected allergy foods to see if symptoms occur. If no symptoms emerge immediately, larger doses of the food will slowly be given. If symptoms appear or worsen, you are considered allergic to those foods. The allergist will provide you with medication to combat the symptoms.

Once allergies are diagnosed, you will be encouraged to avoid the allergens as much as possible. However, in some instances, this can’t be avoided. In case of allergic reactions, there are afew different ways to treat allergy symptoms such as immunotherapy and medication.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is an allergy treatment that works to prevent allergies from occurring. During the process, you are slowly exposed to the allergen to help build your tolerance for the allergen and do not have as sensitive of areaction. The two types of immunotherapy are allergy shots and sublingual immunotherapy.

Allergy Shots

Allergy shots, the most common form of immunotherapy, involve inserting aneedle and introducing the allergen in small amounts. Typically, you will receive allergy shots once aweek for seven months, then once every two weeks. The treatment can take 3–5years to be fully effective.

Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)

Sublingual immunotherapy involves allergy drops or tablets rather than needles. The drops or tablets contain asmall amount of the allergen, slowly increasing the dose. You may be prescribed to take the tablets daily, though in some cases, you may take them every three days. Like allergy shots, the treatment can take 3–5years to be fully effective.

Immunotherapy is best used to treat allergens such as dust, pollen, animal dander, mold, bug stings, and grass, though it isn’t considered ideal for treating medication for food allergies.

Some forms of immunotherapy to treat other allergens are in the early stages of testing.

Allergy Medications

There are several types of allergy medications that may be used in treating allergies.

Steroids

Steroids are most commonly used to treat redness and swelling for allergy symptoms, as well as runny nose, sneezing, stuffy nose, and inflammation. They can be administered as pills, liquids, eye drops, creams, nasal sprays, and inhalers for asthma. Steroids are effective but must be takendaily.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines block histamines, which can help eliminate redness, swelling, and itching. They can be administered as pills, liquids, nose sprays, and eye drops. Over-the-counter and prescription-strength versions are available depending on the severity of your allergic reactions.

Decongestants

Decongestants work to shrink swollen nasal tissues and blood vessels, which can help with arunny nose, congestion, and redness. Decongestants are commonly prescribed alongside antihistamines to treat allergy symptoms. They can also be administered as pills, liquids, nose sprays, and eye drops with both over-the-counter and prescription-strength versions are available.

Home Remedies

There are some non-drug home remedy approaches that can be used to help treat allergy symptoms.

Air Filters and Dehumidifiers

To combat inhalant allergens, air filters can help remove allergens from the air, such as dust, to minimize symptoms. Additionally, dehumidifiers can help remove moisture from the air to help prevent mold and minimize those symptoms.

Saline Irrigation

Saline nasal irrigation is aprocess involving creating asaline solution of water and salt and flushing through the nasal passage using anasal bulb or aneti pot. This can help alleviate sinuses. It’s most commonly used for those with allergic rhinitis, or hayfever.

Essential Oils

Some essential oils, including peppermint, eucalyptus, and frankincense, can help with anti-inflammatory effects and sinuses. You can diffuse these oils in the air or dilute them with water to apply topically.

The best way to prevent allergies is to avoid allergens as much as possible. You can also take medication intended to help prevent allergy symptoms or allergic reactions.

Some ways you can avoid allergens include:

• Food allergens: avoid foods you’re allergic to.
• Animal allergens: avoid hugging, petting, or kissing animals you’re allergic to and vacuuming to remove pet dander if an animal is in yourhome.
• Inhalant allergens: purchase air filters that can help eliminate inhalant allergens in the air of yourhome.
• Insect allergens: keep your skin covered and wear proper footwear when outdoors whenever possible. In some cases, bug spray could help as adeterrent.

There are afew complications that can occur or worsen due to allergies, including asthma attacks, allergic rhinitis, and anaphylactic shock.

Asthma

While allergies and asthma may seem similar, they are not the same. Asthma is achronic condition that inflames the lungs and can make breathing difficult.

Allergies do not cause aperson to develop asthma, but allergens can trigger asthma and cause symptoms, which is called allergic asthma. When asthma is triggered severely due to an allergen, it can result in an asthma attack.

Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis, also called ​“hay fever,” is an allergic reaction usually caused by inhalant allergens such as pollen, dust, and pet dander. Symptoms can include nose irritation, runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion.

Anaphylaxis

This is alife-threatening allergic reaction to an allergen and can happen very quickly after being exposed. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing or swallowing, fainting, dizziness, and achange in skin color to pale, blue, or gray. If aperson goes into anaphylactic shock, 911 should be called immediately.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is adry, itchy, red rash on the skin. Like asthma, allergies do not cause atopic dermatitis but can trigger flare-ups and worsen symptoms.

If you have mild allergy symptoms and suspect you may have an allergy, you should talk with your primary care provider and make an appointment with an allergist as soon as possible.

If you are experiencing asevere allergic reaction or symptoms of anaphylactic shock, call 911 immediately.

What are three signs of an allergy?

While symptoms vary depending on the type of allergy, three common symptoms of an allergy can include red or itchy skin, chest tightness/shortness of breath, or sneezing/itchy/runny nose.

Do allergies get worse with age?

Allergies have the potential to worsen with age, as organs may not function as well or chronic conditions are more likely to develop, which can interfere with the immune system's ability to fight off allergies.

Why are my allergies so bad all of a sudden?

Allergies can worsen or appear due to factors such as a change of your environment (higher pollen count or new plants), getting a new pet, or an increase in indoor allergens such as dust or mold.