7 Most Common Types of Allergies and How to Manage Them

Allergies are among the most common health conditions, affecting millions of people worldwide. They occur when the immune system overreacts to substances that are usually harmless, such as pollen, dust, pet dander, or certain foods. These allergic reactions can range from mild symptoms like sneezing and itching to severe, life-threatening conditions such as anaphylaxis.

In this blog, we’ll explore the seven most common types of allergies, including seasonal allergies, food allergies, drug allergies, skin allergies, insect sting allergies, pet allergies, and mold allergies. You’ll also learn about their causes, symptoms, and effective management strategies to help you minimize discomfort and improve your quality of life.

What is an Allergy?

Allergies happen when the immune system reacts too strongly to substances that are usually harmless.

The first time someone comes into contact with an allergen, they may not have any reaction. However, over time, the immune system becomes more sensitive to it. Once the immune system recognizes the allergen, it starts producing antibodies to fight it whenever exposure happens. This process is called sensitization.

Some allergies occur only at certain times of the year. For example, hay fever is worse in spring (April-May) when tree and grass pollen levels are high. As pollen levels rise, allergy symptoms can become more severe.

Risk factors of allergy

Allergens are classified under two categories host and environmental factors. Host factors comprise the following factors genetic, gender, race, and age, while the genetic factor is the most important. On the other hand, the environmental factors comprise pollens, pollution, dust, animal fur or dander.

Causes of allergy

Allergens are things that induce allergic reactions.

Common allergens that lead to allergic reactions are:

• pollen
• house dust mites
• foods, such as peanuts, milk, prawns and eggs 
• animal fur from pets like cats and dogs
• insect stings of bee and wasp stings
• certain medicines
• Exposure to sunlight
• Latex, such as rubber gloves

Types of Allergies and their Symptoms 

People can be allergic to foods, medications, insect stings, or pollen, causing reactions ranging from mild to severe. Some require avoidance, while others need treatment. Different types of allergy-causing substances are:

1. Food Allergies

Food allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies certain food proteins as harmful, triggering a reaction. Unlike food intolerances, they can cause severe symptoms like swelling, hives, or anaphylaxis. Even small amounts of the allergenic food can be dangerous. Food allergy symptoms may include:

• Itching all over your body or localised to a body part.
• Nausea 
• vomiting.
• Face, throat or tongue may swell.

Some food allergy that produces IgE presents above mentioned symptoms. However, these symptoms may be life-threatening sometimes. The symptoms of food allergy appear within 30 minutes of eating that allergy-causing food item.

The most common food items that adults or children are allergic to are:

• Milk.
• Eggs.
• Wheat.
• Soy.
• Nuts like Peanuts, walnuts
• Shellfish like prawns

2. Airborne Allergens

Allergens that we breathe present in the air (throughout or seasonal) affect us, thus known as inhalants. It may set off symptoms like wheezing if a person is asthmatic. 

Some symptoms of Inhalant allergy symptoms include:

• Runny and stuffy nose.
• Itchy nose.
• Frequent Sneezing.
• The eye starts watering.

Some allergens that are found throughout the year include:

• Dust mites– they are minute creatures, often not visible to the naked eye are usually present in pillows, mattresses, carpets etc.
• Cockroaches– allergy happens due to the proteins present in their faeces, eggs and dead body parts.

Seasonal allergens are pollens that float in the air.

3. Drug Allergies

Certain drugs and medications end up resulting in an allergic reaction. Some common medicines that cause allergies are antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), insulin, and chemotherapy drugs.

Signs of allergy due to medicines include:

• Rash or itching
• Shortness of breath.
• Swelling.

4. Latex Allergies

Latex allergies occur after a person comes in contact with natural rubber latex-like rubber gloves, condoms, balloons, and balls. Latex allergy symptoms like skin irritation, runny nose and breathing problem appear within minutes of contact with latex.

Read more – Skin allergy, its causes and natural home remedies

5. Insect Stings Allergies

When insect sting, they release a toxic element that causes an allergic reaction. Wasps, bees, ants and hornets are insects that sting.

A toxic substance in the insect sting is also known as venom. This venom manifests the following symptoms- 

• Difficulty in breathing 
• Swelling at the site of the sting
• Gasping
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Rapid pulse.
• Low blood pressure.

Read more – Home remedy for honey bee sting

6. Mold Allergies

In the humid weather, we often observe Mould (tiny fungi)  growing on the walls. Small pores released in the air from these moulds cause allergic symptoms like chest congestion and runny and itchy nose.

A skin and blood test can determine if they are allergic to mould. Exhaust fans circulate fresh air in the house, which helps us eliminate the fungal spores.

7. Pet Allergies

Many people are fond of having dogs and cats as their pets. However, their urine, saliva, dander and fur trigger allergic reactions in some.

Symptoms of pet allergies include:

• Skin reactions
• Stuffy nose, sneezing and coughing
• Redness of eyes or watery eyes
• Fatigue

The allergic reaction to the dander or the protein from the animals occurs when they lick you or scratch you, or their fur or dander stays on the furniture or clothing.

Regular bathing and brushing of pets are beneficial. Some people buy breeds that are less likely to cause any allergy.

How to manage allergies?

The best treatment option for allergies is to avoid the allergen. But if it is not possible to stay away from allergens, then there are certain Over-the-counter medicine which helps to manage an allergic reaction. One should always consult a doctor before taking these medications. 

1. Over-the-counter medicines

• Antihistamines such as cetirizine
• Nasal sprays include fluticasone nasal spray, antihistamine nasal sprays
• Decongestants like Oxymetazoline, Phenylephrine, and Pseudoephedrine should be used cautiously as they may have side effects.
• Inhaled or oral bronchodilators, Inhaled steroids, Montelukast and Injectable drugs like omalizumab or benralizumab are asthma medications to manage wheezing and chest congestion.

Read more– 5 Best OTC medications for allergy relief

2. Immunotherapy

An expert doctor may prescribe immunotherapy if over-the-counter medication is not effective in managing allergies. Subcutaneous and/or sublingual immunotherapy will expose you to small amounts of allergens and gradually dosage will be increased over several months. Gradual exposure builds tolerance to the allergen.

Conclusion 

Allergy is a response developed on exposure to certain allergens. If one identifies what type of allergen triggers the reaction, then treatment or management becomes easier. However, consult a doctor to know more about managing allergic reactions.

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Disclaimer – This content including advice and medications provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a medical qualified opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more information.

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