Allergies occur as a result of your body’s immune response to certain substances. The substances that trigger your immune system are called allergens. Examples of allergens are divided into the following categories:
Airborne allergies: dust mites, animal dander, fur, shellfish, and pollen Foods: peanuts, wheat, tree nuts, eggs, milk, soy.
Medications: penicillin, sulphonamides, and salicylates Metals: nickel, zinc, cobalt, and chromium. Insect bites/stings: horseflies, wasps, bee, kissing bugs, and blackflies Latex.
These allergens trigger the release of antibodies known as immunoglobin E (IgE), which fights the harmless substances. IgE causes the production and release of chemicals that cause the allergic reaction.