Types of Allergies

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There are a variety of types of respiratory allergies. They include hay fever, which is an allergy to pollen and can mimic the symptoms of a cold. Allergic rhinitis is a more general term for a group of allergic symptoms that affect primarily the nose and eyes. Classic symptoms are caused by airborne particles of dust, dander, or plant pollens in people who are allergic to these substances. Hay fever is a kind of allergic rhinitis.

Chemical sensitivities are a reaction to natural or man-made chemicals in the environment, such as cigarette smoke and irritants raised in the air due to dust storms. Chemical sensitivities may irritate the respiratory track and aggravate respiratory allergies. A few industrial chemicals can provoke an allergic response, including acid anhydrides and isocyanates. In addition, people prone to asthma and allergies may be extremely sensitive to sulfur dioxide.

There are a variety of animal-caused allergies. Pet allergies due to the inhalation of dander in sensitive people triggers sneezing, runny nose and other signs and symptoms that are also associated with hay fever. For some people, pet allergy may also cause asthma attacks. Any animal with fur, especially cats, dogs, rodents and horses, can be a source of pet allergies. Cockroach allergies are the result of inhaling cockroach droppings and can result in an acute asthma attack. In areas such as the inner city where people are more exposed to cockroaches, asthma rates go up. Allergic reactions to dust mites are caused by inhaling the microscopic creature's droppings. Dust mites feed off of shed human skin cells and thrive in warm humid places in fabrics, mattresses, and upholstery.

Mold allergies are due to the inhalation of mold spores. They are most common from mid to late summer but can occur at any time. Indoors exposure to mold spores can be due to an unchecked growth of mold in damp areas, such as the bathroom, kitchen or basement.

Allergies: Types list

The list of types of Allergies mentioned in various sources includes:

Curable Types of Allergies:

Rare Types of Allergies:

Types discussion:

The most common allergies can be either food allergies or airborne allergies. Airborne allergies include reaction due to pollen, mold, dust mites, animals, and chemicals. The most common foods causing allergic reactions in adults are: shellfish (such as shrimp, crayfish, lobster, and crab); peanuts, which are one of the chief foods to cause severe anaphylactic reactions; tree nuts (such as walnuts); fish; and eggs. In children, the most common food allergies are associated with eggs, milk, and peanuts. Adults generally don't lose food allergies, but children may outgrow them. (Source: excerpt from Allergies: NWHIC)