Most common types of allergies

Allergies are overreactions of the immune system to substances that, in most people, do not cause problems. These substances, known as allergens, can be in food, air or even everyday objects and cause a variety of discomforts. With the arrival of spring, many people experience allergic discomfort. Do you know what type of allergy you have? We tell you about the most common ones and how to identify them.

Food allergies

Food allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to certain proteins in food. The most common food allergens include:

• Nuts: such as walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts.

• Shellfish: such as shrimp, crabs and lobsters.

• Eggs

• Cow's milk

• Wheat

• Soybeans

Symptoms can range from mild, such as itchy mouth, to severe, such as anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening reaction. The most common food allergens in our environment include:

In children

• Cow's milk

• Egg

• Fish

• Nuts (walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, etc. )

• Legumes (mainly peanuts and lentils)

• Wheat

• Fruits (peach, apple, kiwi, banana)

In adults

• Fruits and vegetables (especially peach, apple and nuts)

• Nuts (walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts)

• Seafood (shrimp, crab, lobster)

• Fish (hake, cod, salmon)

• Legumes (peanuts, lentils, soybeans)

• Spices (mustard, sesame)

Environmental allergies

Environmental allergies are those caused by allergens present in the air. The most common symptoms include:

• Nasal congestion and sneezing

• Itchy nose, eyes and throat

• Tearing and eye redness

• Coughing and shortness of breath

• Worsening of asthma in people with predisposition

There are two main types of environmental allergies:

Seasonal allergy

They are mainly related to the pollen of various plants and trees, whose intensity and duration vary according to the region and climatic conditions of each year. The following is a general pollination schedule for the main allergens in Spain:

Perennial allergy

The most common allergens include:

• Dust mites: microorganisms found in house dust.

• Animal dander: skin particles shed by pets such as cats and dogs.

• Mold: fungi that grow in damp environments.

Allergic contact dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes into contact with a substance that triggers an allergic reaction. It can take hours or even days to manifest and is characterized by:

• Intense redness and itching

• Peeling of the skin

• Burning sensation or swelling in the affected area

Some of the most common allergens are:

• Nickel (present in costume jewelry and watches)

• Cosmetics and perfumes

• Latex

• Detergents and cleaning products

It is important to identify the type of allergy and its triggers in order to implement preventive measures and receive appropriate treatment. If you experience persistent or severe symptoms, it is essential to consult an allergy specialist for proper evaluation and management.

Common Allergy Symptoms

Allergy manifestations can vary depending on the organ affected. The following are the most common symptoms depending on the area of the body:

Eyes

• Allergic conjunctivitis: inflammation of the conjunctiva causing redness, itching and tearing.

• Gritty sensation in the eyes and excessive tearing.

Skin

• Urticaria: red, itchy hives.

• Atopic dermatitis (eczema): skin rashes that may ooze and crust over.

• Contact allergy: skin irritation or rash from contact with substances such as nickel, latex or certain perfumes.

Respiratory

• Allergic rhinitis: sneezing, nasal congestion and watery discharge.

• Allergic asthma: wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing.

It is important to identify the type of allergy and its triggers in order to implement preventive measures and receive the appropriate treatment. Tests such as the ISAC test or Prick test are available for this purpose.

If you experience persistent or severe symptoms, it is essential to consult an allergy specialist for proper evaluation and management.

Reviewed by Dr. Manuel Barceló