Allergens are foreign proteins or semi-antigens that induce the production of specific IgE antibodies and trigger allergic reactions. The culprit that triggers the onset of allergic rhinitis in patients is the allergen. Although we cannot change our allergies, we can reduce the incidence by avoiding contact with allergens. But the enemy is dark and we are clear, so we have to find out who the enemy is!
What are the types of allergens?
I. Inhalation allergens
1, pollen Pollen is the main source of inhalant allergens, resulting in the occurrence of 10%-20% of allergic diseases. Allergenic components are mainly proteins, and different pollens have different protein components, and their antigenicity is not consistent. There may be cross-reactivity between different pollens.
2.Fungi The distribution of fungi is different in different seasons, generally more in summer and autumn, and less in winter after snowfall. But fungi are easy to move into the room and become perennial allergens. Allergenic fungi are mainly non-pathogenic fungi parasitic on decaying matter, but some fungi can both infect the human body and allergenic.
3. Dust mites Human dander and grain dust are ideal feeders for mites, so mites exist in large numbers in mattress dust and grain dust. The carcasses, molts, and even excreta of mites are antigenic. Clinical studies have proved that mites are important allergens causing allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma.
4.Animal allergens
In the home environment, cats and dogs are common sources of allergens, while in some specific work environments rats, guinea pigs, horses, rabbits can also be important sources of allergens. Animal hair, epithelium, dander, urine, and saliva can all be highly allergenic. Patients allergic to cats and dogs often show cross-sensitivity to different animal allergens.
Second, oral allergens
1. Food Theoretically, any food has the potential to cause an allergic reaction. Common foods prone to allergic reactions are peanuts, nuts, seafood, mushrooms, milk, fruits, etc.
2, drugs Most of the drugs related to allergic diseases have a small molecular weight and generally exist in the form of antigens. The representative drugs related to the allergic reaction of the rapid-onset phase are antibiotics and anesthetics, which can induce an allergic reaction in small doses.
Injectable allergens
Exposure to allergens through the injection route is also common. Most of them are caused by insect stings, but they can also be caused by injectable drugs. The main insects that can cause allergic reactions are bees, wasps, ants, mosquitoes, of which bee venom is one of the most important allergens in this category.
Fourth, contact allergy
Such as cosmetics, gasoline, paint, alcohol, etc. Other may be certain bacteria and their toxins.
Allergens vary from person to person, how to find your allergen?
1, pay special attention to the environment and objects around you when your symptoms are more obvious, if each attack is related to a fixed substance and environment, it may be the allergen.
2. If you travel to a foreign country without allergic symptoms but have them locally, you should pay attention to the difference between the local and foreign environment.
3.Sneezing and running water while sleeping may be related to your bedding or even the material of your bed.
4.Some people may have many allergic factors, and allergy symptoms can be induced by cold air or the stimulation of a slight odor.
5.Go to the hospital for allergen testing, which can be related to many kinds of substances including pollen, ragweed, dust mites, etc. to test out the allergen.
6.Allergic factors may be one or many, with many accounting for the majority.