Allergies can happen at any time during the year, says Marla Ahlgrimm. They are not exclusive to spring, although more people experience seasonal allergies than any other type. Today, we take a quick look at a few of the top causes of allergies.
An Overactive Immune System
Up to 40% of all children in the United States have some form of allergy. The immune system is usually to blame. An allergic reaction can happen when the body’s immune system sees a harmless substance, such as pollen or certain foods, as dangerous. It then jumps into overdrive trying to get rid of the offending intruder.
Pollen
According to Marla Ahlgrimm, pollen is a common allergen trigger. Pollen from weeds, grasses, and trees can trigger both seasonal allergies and hay fever. Fortunately, it’s fairly simple to keep these allergies at bay by staying inside on high pollen count days and utilizing an over-the-counter allergy medication.
Pets
While people are not allergic to animals themselves, their dander and saliva can be a big problem. Unfortunately, Marla Ahlgrimm says that animal dander/saliva allergies can take up to two years to show. This means a person can live with their pet with no signs of an allergic reaction and then, “suddenly” they may experience sniffling, sneezing, or even skin rashes.
Dust Mites
Whether you like it or not, Marla Ahlgrimm says that you sleep with dust mites each night. These are tiny bugs that eat skin cells, and they live on your mattress. If you’re allergic to dust mites, use a hypoallergenic mattress cover and keep stuffed animals off the bed.
Insect Stings
Nobody wants to be stung by a bee or wasp. However, Marla Ahlgrimm notes that some people can have a severe allergy to the venom in these flying fearmongers. Fortunately, allergies are usually mild. An unfortunate few may have a severe reaction that requires immediate treatment with epinephrine.
Mold
If your home is damp and musty, you may be living with mold. Unfortunately, in addition to causing otherwise healthy people respiratory issues, people allergic to mold may wind up with asthma or other significant issues when simply trying to breathe.
Food
Marla Ahlgrimm says that eggs, shellfish, and milk are among the top allergens in the culinary world. Peanut butter and strawberries are also common, so much so that some schools have banned these foods from being brought in at lunchtime. These types of reactions can become severe, and people with significant food allergies are typically prescribed an emergency epinephrine pen.
Latex/Plastic
Some people can experience mild to severe reactions when exposed to latex or certain types of plastics. Marla Ahlgrimm says these can range from runny nose and wheezing to anaphylaxis. People allergic to latex should wear a medical alert bracelet and never be more than arm’s reach from their epinephrine kit.
Cockroaches
Nobody wants to live with cockroaches, but some people can get sick because of it. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that fecal matter from cockroaches is a common trigger and recommends having an infested home routinely treated by a licensed pest control service.
Certain Medications
Some medicines, including aspirin and penicillin, can cause stuffiness, facial swelling, and hives in sensitive individuals. Marla Ahlgrimm says that most people can find alternative treatments, which can be prescribed by their doctor and are recommended by their pharmacist.
Allergies are no fun to live with, says Marla Ahlgrimm. However, over-the-counter antihistamines and avoidance can help. The retired pharmacist, author, and women’s health expert does suggest that people with severe allergies maintain an open line of communication with their healthcare provider and carry their emergency medications with them at all times.
Marla Ahlgrimm has co-authored two ground-breaking books,