More than 50 million people in the U.S. have an allergic reaction each year. Allergic reactions occur when your immune system makes antibodies and releases histamine to attack a foreign substance (allergen) it believes is harmful, even when it isn’t. The immune system reaction causes the body to present with allergy symptoms including but not limited to:
- Sneezing
- Itchy eyes and nose
- Red, watery or swollen eyes
- Runny or congested nose
- Hives
- Swelling or itching in the body
- Anaphylaxis
Different allergies trigger different reactions. For instance, allergies to pollen will likely trigger sneezing, whereas an insect sting allergy will likely result in hives or anaphylaxis. Several common allergens include hay fever, certain foods, insect stings, dust mites and pet dander.
Most common allergies are found in obvious places. If you have a pollen allergy, walking through Southeast Park may trigger it. If you have a dust mite allergy, you will likely see a reaction in dusty attics. However, there are a couple of surprising places where allergens may be hiding. Let’s examine a few of them now.
Bird Feeders and Pet Food
Bird seed likely contains a combination of peanuts, tree nuts, wheat and milk products. Pet food may contain eggs, fish, shrimp, peanut butter or milk. Because food allergies can be severe, you should check your pet food or bird seed before exposing it to yourself or others who may be allergic.
Cosmetic Products
An estimated 10% of the global population has experienced side effects from cosmetics, including hypersensitivity or allergy-related irritation.
Reading the ingredients list on cosmetic or personal hygiene products before purchasing is recommended if you are allergic to dyes or fragrances. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has listed 26 fragrance ingredients as allergens including but not limited to:
- Amyl cinnamal
- Amylcinnamyl alcohol
- Anisyl alcohol
- Benzyl alcohol
- Benzyl benzoate
- Benzyl cinnamate
- Benzyl salicylate
Dyes and color additives, such as p-phenylenediamine and Coal-tar, used in hair dyes and other beauty products are also listed as allergens by the FDA.
Clothing, Balloons and Paint
Clothing, balloons, paint and many more consumer products often share at least one allergen: latex. Although latex allergies are rare, with less than one percent of the U.S. population affected, symptoms can be severe. Skin irritation, rash, hives, runny nose, sneezing and trouble breathing may occur depending on the severity of the latex allergy.
For more information on managing allergies, contact Palmetto ENT & Allergy today to make an appointment with one of our specialists.