Find out what could be triggering your allergies…
Allergies have become a much more common problem in the last few decades. More and more people are discovering that their bodies are sensitive to things like nuts, gluten, and lactose, forcing them to avoid these foods. But food isn’t the only thing that can cause allergies–there are MANY more!
Here are some of the most common allergens you’ll find in your house and life:
- Pollen — It’s amazing how many people suffer from “hay fever”, or an allergic reaction to the pollen floating in the air. During the spring time, plants release pollen in order to promote the growth of new plants. You may find yourself dealing with a runny nose, sneezing, having a stuffed nose, and itchy/watery eyes. All of these things are signs of a pollen allergy.
- Lactose — Lactose is a type of sugar naturally found in milk and all dairy products. Roughly 2.5% of children under the age of 3 suffer from lactose intolerance or sensitivity to lactose, and few of them outgrow that sensitivity as they age. If there is any lactose in food, your body will let you know!
- Dust Mites –– Mites are tiny creatures that live in your home, but they’re so small that they can only be seen via microscope. If there are dust mites in your home, you may suffer from allergy symptoms similar to those caused by pollen allergies. But instead of being seasonal (like pollen allergies), you will suffer from the dust mite allergy all year long!
- Wheat –– Wheat allergies are surprisingly common these days. Celiac disease (an autoimmune disorder) has become more prevalent in the last few decades, and many people suffer from sensitivity or intolerance to gluten. Any wheat product will trigger symptoms, which can range from mild to life-threatening!
READ MORE: Natural Allergy Helpers
- Mold — Mold grows in dark, humid places, and it can release spores that float in the air–right next to the pollen and the dust released by mites. Mold allergy symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, nasal congestion, and coughing. If the mold gets into your lungs, it can do some pretty serious damage.
- Peanut –– Peanut allergies can be pretty serious, as they can cause anaphylactic shock–which can be fatal. Roughly 0.6% of adults and 1.6% of children in the U.S. are allergic to peanuts, and only 1 in 5 children will ever outgrow that allergy. It’s believed that an allergy to peanuts means a higher risk of allergy to all types of tree nuts, including walnuts, cashews, and pecans.
- Pet Hair — We’ve all seen it in the movies, someone sneezing away because there is a cat or dog in the room. For those who are sensitive to pet hair, their body is reacting to the proteins from the animal’s saliva or those released from the oil glands in the pet’s skin. The symptoms are similar to pollen allergy. Note: If you suffer from a “pet allergy” but don’t have pets at home, you may be allergic to cockroaches.
- Latex –– It’s surprising how many people are allergic to latex! For some, the reaction is a mild one, with itchy redness breaking out on your skin after coming in contact with latex. For others, the symptoms are more serious, such as runny noses, wheezing, coughing, and even anaphylaxis.
- Grass –– Grass allergies are very similar to pollen and dust mite allergies. Usually, when grass is cut, a lot of the pollen and allergens are kicked up into the air–increasing your chance of inhaling them.
