Although hundreds of ordinary substances could trigger allergic
reactions, the most common triggers, called allergens, include
the following: - tree, grass, and weed pollens - natural rubber
latex (protein) - dust mites - animal protein (dander, urine,
oil from skin) - insect stings - cockroach droppings and body
parts Who is affected by allergy? Allergies can affect anyone,
regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status.
Generally, allergies are more common in children. However, a
first-time occurrence can happen at any age, or recur after many
years of remission. There is a tendency for allergies to occur
in families, although the exact genetic factors that cause it
are not yet understood. Often, the symptoms of allergies develop
gradually over a period of time. Allergy sufferers may become so
accustomed to chronic symptoms such as sneezing, nasal
congestion, or wheezing, that they do not consider their
symptoms to be unusual. Yet, with the help of an allergist,
these symptoms can usually be preve