Allergens
Allergens
Allergens (/ˈælərdʒən/) are substances that can cause an allergic reaction. The term is derived from the Greek words allos meaning "other" and ergon meaning "work".
Allergens can be found in a variety of sources, such as dust mites, pets, pollen, insect stings, and certain foods. Not everyone is allergic to the same substances. For some people, certain foods or drug substances may trigger an allergic reaction.
Types of Allergens
There are several types of allergens, including:
- Food Allergens: These are typically proteins in foods that cause an allergic reaction. Common food allergens include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish.
- Inhalant Allergens: These are allergens that are inhaled. They include pollen, mold spores, dust mites, and pet dander.
- Contact Allergens: These are allergens that cause an allergic reaction when they come into contact with the skin. They include substances like poison ivy, poison oak, and nickel.
- Drug Allergens: These are medications that can cause an allergic reaction. They include certain antibiotics, such as penicillin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
Allergic Reactions
When a person with an allergy is exposed to an allergen, their immune system reacts by releasing substances like histamine. This can cause symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and a runny nose. In severe cases, exposure to an allergen can cause a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis of allergies typically involves skin tests, blood tests, or elimination diets. Treatment can involve avoiding the allergen, medications to relieve symptoms, or immunotherapy to desensitize the person to the allergen.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Allergens
- Wikipedia's article - Allergens
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