An allergy occurs when your body’s immune system sees a certain substance as harmful. It reacts by causing an allergic reaction. Substances that cause allergic reactions are allergens. There are many types of allergies. Some allergies are seasonal and others are year-round. Some allergies may be life-long. It is important to work with your health […]
If you have an allergy that occurs over several seasons, you may be allergic to the spores of molds or other fungi. Molds live everywhere. Upsetting a mold source can send the spores into the air. Mold and mildew are fungi. They are different from plants or animals in how they reproduce and grow. The […]
The term “latex” refers to the protein in the sap of the Brazilian rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). It also refers to “natural rubber products” made from that sap. Latex is in many everyday products: balloons rubber bands condoms and diaphragms rubber household gloves rubber balls bandages and more Contact with these products can cause an […]
Many people may use the term “medicine allergy or “drug allergy.” The majority of reactions caused by medications are more correctly termed “adverse reactions to drugs.” Many are a manifestation of a side effect rather than an allergy (for example nausea with erythromycin). True drug allergies are rare and caused by the immune system. What […]
What Kinds of Insects Cause Allergic Reactions? There are many different kinds of insects or “insect-like bugs” that can cause an allergic reaction: Stinging Insects Bees, wasps, hornets, yellow-jackets and fire ants are the most common stinging insects that cause an allergic reaction. When these insects sting you, they inject a toxic substance called venom. […]
Download a printable version of this blog post. Allergies to pets with fur are common, especially among people who have other allergies or asthma. In the United States, as many as three in 10 people with allergies have allergic reactions to cats and dogs. Cat allergies are about twice as common as dog allergies. People […]
Download a printable version of this blog post. As many as 15 million Americans have food allergies, including nearly 6 million children. [source] Food Allergies versus Food Intolerance: Know the Difference Food Intolerance Food Allergies A food allergy occurs when the body’s immune system sees a certain food as harmful and reacts by causing allergic […]
Pollen is one of the most common triggers of seasonal allergies. Many people know pollen allergy as “hay fever.” Experts usually refer to pollen allergy as “seasonal allergic rhinitis.” Each spring, summer and fall, plants release tiny pollen grains to fertilize other plants of the same species. Most of the pollen that causes allergic reactions […]
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