Allergens
Allergens are harmless substances in themselves, but the immune system regards them as dangerous. Contact with such substances may result in an allergic reaction. The key allergens are described below. Also check out the pollen calendar, which shows precisely which type of pollen occurs in which season.
House dust mites
Among the most important allergens are house dust mites or, rather, its droppings. The mites live predominantly on human dander and are found mostly in mattresses and carpets. The warmer and damper the house, the more comfortable the mites will feel.
Pollen
We distinguish tree pollen, such as that of the birch, alder and hazel, grass pollen and pollen from weeds, such as plantain, mugwort and shrubs. The pollen calendar lists the flowering seasons of the various varieties of grass, trees and shrubs.
Animal allergens
Many people are allergic to pets and other animals. Cat allergy is particularly widespread. Cat dander and saliva are the main triggers of allergic reactions.
Fungal allergens
Allergic reactions to fungi are fairly rare in Western Europe. This is rather surprising, considering the amount of fungi present in our outdoor air. Allergic reactions to fungi are much more frequent in North America.
Insect allergens
Insect bites rarely trigger serious reactions, unlike insect stings, particularly those of wasps. A wasp's venom can evoke severe allergic reactions (see also anaphylactic shock).
Food allergens
Children tend to be more susceptible to food allergens. Cow's milk allergy is fairly common among children, but adults may also react allergically to food. Peanuts, milk and several sea foods are well-known examples.
Occupational allergens
An occupational allergen may be an animal allergen, for example from dogs people work with professionally. They may also be of plant origin. Flour or baker's flour is a notorious example. It may also be chemical, such as bread improvers or painter's supplies. Other common occupational allergens include latex ingredients. Hospital staff are particularly prone to latex allergy. Finally, allergy to perm liquids and hair dyes is frequently encountered in hairdressing salons.
Contact allergens
Contact allergens are substances that may cause an allergic reaction upon contact with the skin. Examples are rubber chemicals, nickel and chrome in watches, for example.
Allergenic medicines
Ingredients in drugs or the substances into which our body converts those ingredients may also spark allergic reactions. Examples include penicillin and insulin.
