Top 10 Allergy Triggers

Our allergy doctors in Oxnard CA can help you manage all kinds of allergic reactions.

Roughly one fifth of Americans suffer from some type of allergy. Depending on how common their allergen is and how severe the reaction, this condition can be very limiting to a person’s life. In some cases, allergies can actually be quite dangerous, as some individuals may experience such severe immune responses to their allergens that they are at risk of death from anaphylactic shock.

Here are the top 10 most common allergy triggers in America

Cockroaches: As if having a cockroach infestation in your home isn’t bad enough, some people are susceptible to allergic reactions from certain proteins found in cockroach feces. Contact with the feces can cause a skin reaction.

Perfume: Some people are very sensitive to chemical scents found in perfumes, air fresheners, and room sprays. They may experience an allergic reaction in the lining of the nasal passages resulting in irritation or sneezing.

Animals: Both cats and dogs secret oils in their dander which are meant to help coat and protect their fur. Unfortunately these oils contain proteins that can cause allergic reactions. Cat dander in particular is a common trigger for allergic asthma.

Medications: Some individuals may experience an immune response after taking certain medications. One common medication that can cause allergic reactions is penicillin.

Mold: When mold spores are inhaled, they can irritate the nose and throat and cause allergic reactions very similar to hay fever.

Dust Mites: Almost every home in America has dust mites to some degree. These microscopic creatures feed on bacteria and dead skin cells found in dust, and their waste contains proteins that can cause allergic reactions.

Latex: Contact with latex, such as a latex glove at a doctor’s office, can cause an immediate skin reaction in allergic individuals. The root of the allergy is an intolerance for certain proteins found in the rubber tree sap from which latex is made.

Insect Stings: In most people, a bee sting or bug bite can cause a minor reaction involving itching and swelling. But in highly allergic individuals, the reaction can be much more severe, sometimes even reaching the level of a life-threatening anaphylactic shock.

Food: Up to 90 percent of food allergies are caused by just 8 foods: milk, eggs, soy, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, and fish. Symptoms may vary from trouble breathing and swallowing to swelling of the tongue and lips.

Pollen: Pollens from trees, plants, and grasses are a very common type of allergen. They are responsible for seasonal allergies like hay fever.

Treating Allergies

If you suffer from allergic reactions to any of these common substances—or suspect an allergy to some other substance—contact the caring allergy doctors in Oxnard CA at Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Medical Group now. We can provide a professional diagnosis of your allergies as well as help managing and treating your symptoms.