Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to substances that are normally harmless. These triggering substances are known as allergens. Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, pet dander, certain foods, insect bites and stings, latex, and some medications. Symptoms of allergies can be mild, such as sneezing and itchy eyes, or they can be severe like difficulty breathing or a drop in blood pressure. It is important to identify your allergens and take steps to avoid exposure to prevent allergic reactions.

1. Allergies
What you should know
Sources:
http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/healthy_homes/healthyhomes/allergies
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2. What are allergies?
Allergies happen when your body reacts to
something that it should normally ignore.
Technically, your immune system produces an
antibody called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) for each
specific allergen (or trigger).
When your body encounters the allergen (or
trigger), your immune system’s response causes
inflammation.
The inflammation can be inside your body or
outside. It can be dangerous, but sometimes it is
just uncomfortable.
About
Allergies
Image Credit: WHO

3. Allergens
An allergen is something that causes
allergic symptoms.
Allergens can also be called “Triggers”.
There are many common allergens. It's very
important to talk to your doctor if you have had
a reaction to any of the items listed in this
slideshow.
About
Allergies
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4. Household Triggers
 Pets (most often animal skin flakes or "dander”)
 Smoke
 Dust mites
 Cockroaches
 Mold
 Chemical irritants
About
Allergies
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5. Foods
 Egg
 Milk
 Peanut
 Tree nuts, such as walnuts almonds, cashews
 Soy
 Wheat
 Shellfish, such as shrimp, crayfish, lobster, crab
 Fish, such as salmon
About
Allergies
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6. Medicines
 Penicillin and other antibiotics
 Aspirin and ibuprofen
 Anticonvulsants
 Monoclonal antibody therapy
 Chemotherapy
And some people are allergic to other
medications not on this list.
About
Allergies
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7. Insect Stings and Bites
 Yellow jackets
 Honeybees
 Paper wasps
 Hornets
 Fire ants
About
Allergies
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8. Contact Allergens
 Plants
 Cosmetics
 Latex
 Metals, such as in jewelry or clothing
About
Allergies
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9. What you can do
 Know your allergies, and know what to avoid.
 Contact your doctor about any unusual reactions to
food, plants, medicines, or other items.
 Avoid contact with things you know trigger allergies.
 Keep a clean home.
 In the event of a severe allergic reaction, seek
emergency medical attention immediately.
About
Allergies
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