Five Common Allergies Explored

Cockroach allergy Facts

Cockroaches are among the most common carriers of allergen inside the house. These insects are usually present in areas that are crowded, like the city. Feces and saliva secreted by cockroaches contain protein substances that may be mixed up with house dust. The saliva, droppings, and bodies of cockroaches have proteins that are allergenic.

If you are suffering from severe asthma, you might want to consider checking your house of cockroaches. Asthma is a clear symptom of cockroach allergy. Even in older residences and clean areas, these pests are common. They may be found in all types of environments.

Hay Fever Allergy Overview

One distinguishing characteristics of hay fever is that it is caused by pollen and other similar grains. The two forms of allergic rhinitis are perennial and seasonal. Perennial rhinitis happens in all seasons of the year. On the other hand, the seasonal type can happen repeatedly all year.

Symptoms may be similar with hay fever and nonallergic rhinitis, but allergic reactions are not common in the latter. When people acquire hay fever during spring, the reactions may be due to tree pollen. Pollen from weed and grass may cause allergies in the summer. Problem-causing fungus spores and weeds can pose as health problems from late spring to autumn season. Cross-reactions with indoor allergens may be common to people who have perennial hay fever.

Curtains, beddings, pillows, and carpets are common places where one can find dust mites, animal dander, and feathers. The places where mold can found are in bathrooms and basements. Related: bee sting.

Poison Ivy Allergy

The irritant property of poison ivy, poison sumac, and poison oak is due to its urushiol content. Grazing urushiol with the skin will produce a rash on the area within a few hours. Poison plant sap, which coats gardening implements or pet’s fur, may be a means of exposure to urushiol.

A resilient sap, urushiol persists in the plant's leaves, stems, and roots even after death. Urushiol can be hastily taken in by the skin. Urushiol can become airborne and inhaled during the burning of the poison plants. The inhalation of urushiol can cause an extremely serious allergic reaction. The smoke of the burning plant irritates the nasal passages, throat, and lungs. The climate in Alaska, Hawaii, and the Southwest deserts do not provide optimal conditions for the growth of poison plants.

The existence of poison ivy can be categorized into two. It can occur as vines or as shrubs. Areas on the north and west typically have poison ivy shrubs. In other places, poison ivy grows as vines. Poison ivy is distinguished by its three leaflets. A woody shrub with pairs of 7 to 13 leaves on each stem is typical of poison sumac. Unlike harmless sumac, poison sumac have bunches of green berries hanging down its shrub. Poison sumac commonly prefers living in wet and mucky areas. Bundles of red, upright berries usually grow on harmless sumac shrubs.

Sulfite Allergy Explained

Sulfites are a group of naturally occurring sulfur-based compounds. They are sometimes added to enhance and preserve some food. Sulfite sensitivity occurs in one out of a hundred individuals in the US. Sensitivity to sulfites have vague roots. Moreover, it may arise in an individual at any given time.

People with sulfite sensitivity may experience benign or acute symptoms. Food such as apples and lettuce do not contain sulfites. This is because on 1986 the FDA banned the use of sulfites on fruits or vegetables, which can be eaten raw. A law by the FDA mandates the listing of sulfites on product labels by manufacturers adding sulfites to their products. Sulfites are used on cooked and processed food, but not on fresh ones. Sulfites are present during the production of beer and wine.

Avoidance is the only way to prevent sulfite sensitivity reactions. Reading labels on all food items is essential for people with sulfite sensitivity. In a restaurant, ask the chef or waiter if sulfites have been used before or during food preparation.

Latex Allergies

People who have latex allergy will develop allergic reactions to products made of latex, especially latex gloves. However, latex allergy may occur if they come in contact with latex condoms and medical devices. Symptoms of latex hypersensitivity are the following: eye tearing and irritation, cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and itchiness of the skin or nose. Allergic reactions to latex can range from skin problems to a much more serious reaction called anaphylaxis. During an anaphylactic condition, one may experience difficulty breathing, development of hives, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting.

In order to treat allergic reactions, products with latex should be removed. Allergies are treated symptomatically with the use of antihistamines and epinephrine. If you are allergic to latex, you must wear a Medic Alert bracelet to give awareness to the people around you. You should never forget to bring your emergency epinephrine kit wherever you go.

To avoid latex allergy reactions, avoid products containing latex.

---

The editor publishes evaluations, feedback, & informative articles on the subject of allergy. Do you wish to know more about allergy symptoms? Get replies directly from the writer who basically experienced numerous allergies since childhood.