The most common causes of allergies

Great Britain has the highest incidence of allergic diseases in the world. And health experts do not know why. In a BBC report, pediatric allergy expert Dr. Adam Fox explains the most common causes of allergies.

Food

Food allergies are on the rise, health experts report. And nuts are the most likely culprit, most especially peanuts. In addition to nuts, milk and eggs are also sources of allergens, and lately, sensitivity to gluten is commonly reported as well. Allergic reaction to food can be mild to severe and can range from skin rashes to gastrointestinal problems to life-threatening anaphylactic reaction. To avoid allergic reaction, choose your food wisely. Pay attention to food labels as they often contain warnings about possible traces of nuts or eggs or gluten.

Dust mites

Millions of dust mites are present in our homes even though we cannot see them with the naked eye. It is not the mites as such that cause the allergic reactions but the fecal pellets and dead bodies of the mites. Allergic reactions to mites may manifestation in wheezing, sneezing and coughing. To minimize dust mites, frequent vacuuming and airing of your home is recommended.

Pets

Pet dander, hair, shed skin and saliva from animals are potential allergens. Allergy to pets can manifest as skin rashes, wheezing, and sneezing. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to avoid this allergy except to avoid hairy pets.

Hay fever

Spring is coming so watch out for hay fever. Pollens from trees and flowers are most likely responsible for allergies in spring time. In summer and early autumn, it’s probably mainly from grass pollen. Many of us are familiar with the symptoms of hay fever: itchy eyes and runny nose. Even avoiding the outdoors doesn’t work out well as pollens do get everywhere.

Unknown cause

Finally, if you are like me, you might be allergic to something but you don’t know what it is. I’ve been tested several times and I’ve tried to keep a diary to pinpoint the cause but never really discovered the culprit. Luckily, the symptoms were usually mild – skin rashes or hives. There have been cases, however, of so-called idiopathic anaphylaxis, severe allergic reactions which can be fatal but whose cause is not known.

At any rate, it is advisable that we should always have antihistamines at home, which are the first-line treatment for allergic reactions. Remember, serious allergic reactions can be fatal and needs emergency medical care.