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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffAn allergy starts when the immune system mistakes a normally harmless substance for a dangerous invader. The immune system then produces antibodies that are always on the alert for your particular allergen. When you're exposed to the allergen again in the future, these antibodies release a number of immune system chemicals, such as histamine, that cause allergy symptoms.
Common allergy triggers include:
- Airborne allergens, such as pollen, animal dander, dust mites and mold
- Certain foods, particularly peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, eggs and milk
- Insect stings, such as bee stings or wasp stings
- Medications, particularly penicillin or penicillin-based antibiotics
- Latex or other substances you touch, which can cause allergic skin reactions
- Frequently asked questions. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. http://www.acaai.org/patients/faq/Pages/default.aspx. Accessed Nov. 3, 2010.
- Tips to remember: What is an allergic reaction? American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/whatisallergicreaction.stm. Accessed Nov. 3, 2010.
- Wayt TM. Anaphylaxis. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2011: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?sid=1079270789&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05610-6..00010-X--sc0170&isbn=978-0-323-05610-6&type=bookPage§ionEid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05610-6..00010-X--sc0170&uniqId=225503130-3. Accessed Nov. 3, 2010.
- Atkins D, et al. Diagnosis of allergic disease. In: Kliegman RM, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/224902915-6/0/1608/434.html?tocnode=54478103&fromURL=434.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2450-7..50142-0_3366. Accessed Nov. 3, 2010.
- Tips to remember: Allergy shots. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/whatareallergyshots.stm. Accessed Nov. 3, 2010. Accessed Nov. 3, 2010.
- Tips to remember: Asthma and allergy medications. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/asthmaallergymedications.stm. Accessed Nov. 3, 2010.
- Allergy. Mitchell G, et al. In: Rakel RE. Rakel: Textbook of Family Medicine. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/225194068-12/1078164908/1481/288.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2467-5..50028-2--cesec19_1317. Accessed Nov. 3, 2010.
- Engler RJ, et al. Complementary and alternative medicine for the allergist-immunologist: Where do I start? The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 2009;123:309.
- DeShazo RD, et al. Pharmacotherapy of allergic rhinitis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 3, 2010.
- Li JT (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 16, 2010.
- Naegleria FAQs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/naegleria/faqs.html. Accessed Dec. 30, 2011.
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