Preventing And Diagnosing Allergies: What Are Common Allergens?

Since the doctor will base an interpretation in part on the symptoms you report, keep an eye on the family member's response to common allergens like these, which may or may not have a bearing on your family member's condition:

1. Dust mites. These tiny creatures cannot be seen with the naked eye, but they can cause a lot of problems. Their dander or feces can stir an allergic reaction in someone that may take the form of sneezing, wheezing, coughing, or a runny nose, among others. The best way to limit their destructive effect is to wash all bed linens weekly in hot water and detergent. Seal the mattress in a plastic wrapper for a month or so to kill these annoying inhabitants. Just be careful not to let young children get under the plastic or sleep directly on it.

2. Pet dander. Flea dirt from any furry pet, such as dogs, cats, hamsters, or rabbits, can pose a problem to those who are allergic to it. Pet hair or skin dander are two more problems associated with indoor animals. Even coming in contact with the creatures outside can cause trouble. Keep your pets out of the bedrooms and try to limit the range of their movements within the home. In other words, if you can keep them within a few rooms while saving others for family use, do it.

3. Certain foods. People can become allergic to many kinds of food, but some of the more common types are peanuts or nuts, eggs, shellfish, wheat, and red food dye. Babies who begin eating processed foods at four or five months of age may develop allergic responses to certain fruits and vegetables and have to be withdrawn from them for a while. Sometimes they outgrow such allergies in the course of a few years. If a family member is allergic to certain foods, find out in advance if they will be served at a party or public venue so it can be avoided.

4. Medications. It is not uncommon to develop an allergy to penicillin or any of its later generation descendents. Sulfa is another medication that sometimes leads to allergic reactions, especially when it has been used several times over the course of a lifetime. Just about any medicine can produce an allergic reaction in someone who is truly allergic or sensitive to it. Stop taking the medication at the first sign of a problem, such as feeling unwell, red or irritated skin, blotches, nausea, etc.

5. Chemicals and toxins. While reactions to these might be more sensitivity than allergen, you will need to remove them from someone who is developing symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, a change in heart rate, or any other difficulty. Adhesives, paint thinners, some types of hair dye, make-up, and certain household substances can lead to symptoms in some people. Keep an eye on your family members' responses to new or unusual products in the home, such as new carpeting around young children.

Allergies are becoming more common today, and doctors aren't sure why. Contact your doctor at the first outbreak of symptoms to get a clear diagnosis and effective treatment.