Allergy season is the scapegoat of 90% of all allergic reactions. Yet often the irritation results from triggers which are seemingly misrelated. The next time allergies give you grief, consider if any of these causes are at the root of your annoyance. Here are the twenty two most common items and activities which cause allergic reactions.
1. Mobile Phones
Mobile phones can cause many allergic reactions. There is a possibility of a nickel allergy due to the battery. Even if you do not have a nickel based battery you still have the risk of radiation. Allergic reactions from cellular phone use include dermatitis, headaches and fatigue. A ringing in the ears can also form. Redness of the skin develops and in dire cases welts are prevalent. Corticosteroids are the usual prescription for allergies caused by mobile phones. The electromagnetic frequencies emitted from a mobile phone can affect melatonin production. This can cause a disturbance in restful sleep.
2. Sex
Sex is not an act which many know to cause allergies. Yet in a small amount of females there is an allergic condition prevalent. Termed human seminal plasma hypersensitivity, this is an allergic reaction to semen. It causes a rash to form, at times followed by welts, swelling and burning.
3. Kissing
Kissing itself does not cause an allergic reaction. Yet foreign medications, substances and food can enter the mouth of an allergen sufferer. When kissing make sure that your partner is aware of you allergies. This does not always work for impromptu sexual attraction leaves no time for details. Those with serious allergies should still take care when kissing though.
4. Fruit Allergies
The same pollen which triggers allergies for many is a hint of what fruit to avoid. An oral allergy syndrome will develop when eating fruit containing the same protein. Allergic reactions include swelling of the lips and a dry, itch throat and mouth. It is best to avoid these allergens and rather substitute fresh vegetables.
5. Alcohol
Alcohol, particularly red wine and beer, are a major cause of allergic reactions. The sulfites present in red wine are an allergen for many sensitive sufferers. Beer contains gluten, wheat, histamines and yeast. These elements are responsible for many allergies.
6. Good Weather and Allergic Reactions
Dry days filled with sunshine and warm breezes are a nightmare for those who are allergic to pollen. Windy days ensure that there is more pollen in the air thus causing more allergic reactions. Rainy, cold weather lowers the pollen count in the air, making it safer for sufferers to go outside. However in good weather it is better to stay inside and save yourself the symptoms.
7. Holiday Decorations
Religious holidays are often the time when candles and incense are lit. This can pose a risk for those allergic to certain substances. Many cheap holiday decorations are victims of poor manufacturing. They thus end up containing or suffering contamination by toxic chemicals. Typical holiday allergies from such triggers include blocked nasal passages and itchy eyelids.
8. Clothing Allergies
There are many materials which can cause an allergic reaction, yet wool appears to be the prime cause of allergies. Its nature of attracting dust and pollen does not help the condition of an allergy sufferer. Be sure to take care when buying new clothing. The last thing that you want is to end up with something that you like but cannot bear to wear.
9. Stress Allergies
Stress is a factor which affects the entire health of your body. Chronic stress often causes nasal allergies, among many other immune system symptoms. A report from the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology showed shocking results. People under a high amount of stress experience 64% more allergic reactions. Therefore it is best to practice stress relieving therapies such as yoga and meditation, if you live a high-pressure life.
10. Incorrect Bath or Shower Time
Throughout the day your clothing accumulates pollen due to being outside more often. If you do not bath before you go to bed, it is likely you will trigger an allergic reaction. Allergy sufferers should always shower before going to bed. It is the safest way to guarantee an undisturbed night’s rest.
11. Over Consumption of Pro-Mucous Foods
Dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt have a tendency to cause mucus to form. Thickened mucus makes the symptoms of allergies worsen due to drying out your nose and throat. The thickening effect which dairy has on your mucous can often cause throat irritation. Yet many people continue to consume excess amounts of dairy while suffering allergies constantly. Keep an eye on your diet and control your food intake, and you will find your allergies lessen.
12. Meat Products
Meat contains compounds which promote the production of histamines. This thus causes allergic reactions within those at risk. Meat is not the only food group to cause allergies due to histamine production. Smoked fish, mushrooms, vinegar and sour cream all increase histamines. They should therefore be avoided as far as possible if you suffer frequent allergy attacks.
13. Exercise
Those who suffer allergies need to take care not to do outdoor exercise in the day due to the presence of pollen in the air. If you have allergic reactions to pollen, then rather exercise indoors. If you have received an allergy vaccination then refrain from exercise for at least two hours. Always exercise during the hours at which you feel you have the highest energy levels as you will get the optimal health benefit.
14. Water
While it is rather scarce, water does cause allergic reactions in a small amount of people. Sufferers break out in lives, welts and lesions due to nourishment issues with the skin. The extreme sensitivity of their skin becomes affected by the chemicals in water which therefore results in further complications. Water itself does not cause allergies thus filtered water is much safer. Tap water often contains many trace elements of toxic chemicals due to improper filtration methods and sanitation. This thus makes it dangerous to drink unfiltered water in some areas.
16. Wool
Many people dislike wool due to finding it itchy, yet wool can cause more serious allergies. The allergic reaction caused by wool is due to the presence of lanolin. If you suffer wool allergies then only buy clothing that is lanolin free.
17. Used Furniture
One needs to be especially careful when buying second hand furniture. Dust mites and mold contamination may not be visible and can cause a host of health problems due to being unnoticed. Severe contamination can ever spur on an asthma attack. Therefore be sure to only buy furniture which you can trust to be safe from mold and parasites. Many know the risk yet still buy household items from less than trustworthy suppliers.
17. Laundry Detergent and Washing Powder Allergies
The dyes and perfumes used by certain detergents can cause a range of allergic reactions due to toxic trace elements present. Washing powder carries a similar risk due to the presence of harmful compounds. Allergic reactions to conventional products include rashes, headaches and coughs. Eco safe washing powders and detergents are preferable due to not containing harmful chemicals. In general it is best to avoid detergents and cleaning agents which contain perfume or dyes.
18. Chamomile Tea
Calming chamomile tea causes allergic reactions in some people and can be triggered by the slightest exposure due to the strength of this flower. Those who suffer from hay fever have a higher risk of chamomile triggering allergies. Even just the scent of chamomile is an allergen for some sufferers and thus it should be avoided.
19. Household Cleaner
Household cleaners are an allergen for many people due to many chemicals used. Like detergents, all purpose household cleaner often contains dye and perfume. It thus poses a similar risk. The chemicals used in manufacturing, commonly in dyes and scents, can trigger many allergies. It is best to resort to natural alternatives, or eco safe cleaners due to the fact that most do not have any allergens.
20. Books
The dust particles which accumulate on books can cause allergic reactions when breathed in. Dust has also been linked to the spread of other forms of bacteria. Yet most homes and workplaces build dust quickly, with some areas never being cleaned. This can pose a health risk due to the long term health complications which are known to arise. Public libraries which are in a failing condition are risky to visit due to the large amount of dust. Yet this dust is left, by certain establishments, to accumulate over years.
21. Deodorant
Deodorants and antiperspirants can cause a range of allergic symptoms due to harmful chemicals present in the perfume. If you notice pimples, rash, dry skin or lesions, switch deodorants. Natural alternatives have a far lower chance of triggering an allergic reaction. Talcum powder and baby powders serve as great alternatives due to killing bacteria. Both work as effective ways to combat odor in a healthy manner.
22. Smoking
Studies show that smoking increasing the risk of allergic reactions triggering. This is due to the degradation it has on your body. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology studied tobacco smoke and allergies. Their findings revealed an interesting conclusion. It thus showed that people who have ragweed allergies and inhale second hand smoke have higher allergic risk. The chance of an allergy flaring proved sixteen times higher than in a non smoker. It is therefore best to quit smoking if you suffer from many allergic conditions.