An allergen is any substance, whether airborne or not, that triggers an allergic reaction if inhaled, swallowed or touched in any way distinctive. These allergens trick your immune system into believing that they’re harmful to the body. Your immune system overreacts and releases antibodies to fight these substances. You then suffer from several allergy symptoms consciously or unconsciously.
There are billions of types of allergens that are responsible for causing allergies, but the most common include:
Inhalant irritants
Mildew
Molds
Dust
Fungal spores
Food particles
Chemicals (in foods, cosmetics etc.)
Mites
Pollen
Tree pollen (cedar, oak, ash etc.)
Grass pollen (especially Bermuda)
Weed pollen (ragweed)
Animal dander
Dry skin flakes
Fabric fibers
Insect species (especially cockroaches)
Cold air
Foods such as:
Soy
Wheat
Nuts
Milk
Eggs
Chocolate
Spices
Alcohol
Chemicals such as:
Gas
Perfumes
Chlorine
Air fresheners
Other causes such as:
Metals
Cigarette smoke etc.