Acquainted with Allergies: the Different Types of Allergies

There are various types of substances that cause allergic reactions. There are also three factors that contribute to the development of allergy, namely, the predisposing factors, the causal factors, and the coadjuvating and triggering factors.

The predisposing factors include the atopic condition and gender. The atopic condition, which is inheritable, refers to the genetic predisposition of an individual to develop allergic diseases. The gender factor refers to the frequency of some allergic diseases, like asthma, to be more present in boys than in girls.

The causal factors include indoor allergens (house dust mites, molds, pet dander, and cockroaches), outdoor allergens (molds, pollens and animal dander) and occupational allergens, which affect adults who are exposed to some substances in their jobs.

The coadjuvating and triggering factors are those that do not directly cause allergic reactions. Instead, they are instrumental in triggering allergic symptoms in an already allergic person.

Pollen, an airborne allergen, causes allergic rhinitis or hay fever. Pollen causes inflammation and swelling of the lining of the nose and protective tissues of the eyes. Sneezing, congestion, and itchy, watery eyes are symptoms caused by exposure to pollen. Dust mites are microscopic organisms that love warm, humid areas. They live in dust and fibers of objects not frequently washed like pillows, mattresses, upholstery and carpet. House dust is a mixture of fibers from different fabrics, animal dander, bacteria, mold or fungus spores, particles of food, and bits of plants, among others. These allergens produce symptoms associated with asthma like wheezing and coughing. Molds, which are parasitic, microscopic fungi that can be found in damp areas, are common triggers for allergies that float in the air. They live in the basement, bathroom and in the outdoor environment. Symptoms induced by molds include itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, congestion, runny nose and coughing.

Animal dander also causes allergic reactions in some people. Animal dander consists of loose skin cells containing secretions from the animal's skin glands. When they are breathed in by people, symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and itchy, watery eyes occur.

Latex in rubber gloves also causes allergic reactions since the latex substance itself contains an allergenic component. The allergy occurs after contact with latex. The common symptoms of latex allergy are skin rash, hives, irritated eyes, and wheezing. Reactions are more severe with extensive exposure, like in an operation or gynecologic exam.

Certain foods also trigger allergy reactions, which can be severe. Some foods contain IgE antibodies that may cause food allergies to occur. Shellfish and nuts, milk, eggs, soy and wheat. Food allergy symptoms include wheezing and coughing, runny nose, swelling of the mouth, vomiting, hives and diarrhea.

Insect venom from stings also causes allergic reactions. A sac of venom and a stinger left by the insect in the victim's skin cause pain, redness and swelling. Allergic reactions also include hives, itchy rash that spread to other areas, wheezing, difficulty breathing or swallowing, anxiety, rapid pulse, dizziness and a significant drop in blood pressure.

Occupational allergy occurs after working with industrial fumes, gases, dusts and vapors. Eczema may result after skin contact with substances like nickel (in coins), chromium (in cement), rubber, various dyes, formaldehyde and glues.

The coadjuvating and triggering factors refer to those that do not cause allergy but facilitate in triggering a person's allergic reactions like air pollution, cold air, cigarette smoke, exercise and respiratory infections.