Almost anything around us can cause allergy in a sensitive person: the dust in your bedroom, the trees near your road, the food on your plate, or the medicine in your cupboard. Knowing the common triggers helps you notice patterns in your symptoms and makes diagnosis easier. In this video, Dr. Dipak Viradia, Chest Physician & Intensivist, explains the most common things people are allergic to.

Indoor Allergens (at Home and Office)

• House dust mites: tiny creatures in mattresses, pillows, bedding, sofas, curtains and carpets. The most common cause of year-round sneezing, blocked nose and allergic asthma.
• Mould and fungus: grow on damp walls, bathrooms, AC units and stored damp clothes, especially in the monsoon.
• Cockroaches: their droppings and body particles are a common indoor allergen in kitchens and older buildings.
• Pet dander: tiny skin flakes, saliva and fur of cats and dogs, and sometimes birds.

Outdoor Allergens

• Pollen from trees, grasses and weeds: causes seasonal sneezing, itchy eyes and asthma flare-ups. In Gujarat and much of India, important pollen allergens include:
  • Gando baval (Prosopis juliflora), a very common tree in Gujarat and a major pollen allergen
  • Congress grass (Parthenium), a widespread weed that can cause both respiratory allergy and skin allergy on contact
  • Various grasses and other local trees
• Outdoor mould spores: increase during humid and rainy weather.

Irritants That Worsen Allergy

These may not cause allergy themselves, but they irritate sensitive airways and make symptoms worse:

• Cigarette and bidi smoke, incense and mosquito-coil smoke
• Vehicle exhaust and air pollution
• Strong perfumes, room fresheners and cleaning chemicals
• Cold air and sudden weather changes

Food Allergens

The foods most commonly causing allergy include:

• Milk and eggs (especially in young children)
• Peanuts and tree nuts
• Fish and shellfish (prawns, crabs)
• Wheat and soy
• Sesame

Symptoms range from itching, hives and lip swelling to vomiting, breathing difficulty and, rarely, severe reactions.

Medicine (Drug) Allergens

Some people react to certain medicines, such as:

• Some antibiotics (for example, penicillin-group antibiotics)
• Painkillers like aspirin and ibuprofen, which can also worsen asthma in some people
• Some anaesthetic agents and contrast dyes used in scans

Insect Stings and Bites

Bee, wasp and ant stings can cause local swelling and, in some people, severe whole-body reactions.

Skin Contact Allergens

These mainly cause itchy rashes where they touch the skin:

• Metals like nickel in jewellery, belt buckles and watch straps
• Hair dyes, cosmetics and fragrances
• Latex in gloves and some balloons
• Detergents and some chemicals

Workplace Allergens

Dust, fibres and chemicals at work, such as in textile, diamond polishing, construction, bakeries, chemical units, hospitals and salons, can cause occupational allergy and asthma.

How to Find Your Trigger

Notice when and where your symptoms happen, then consult a doctor. Allergy tests such as the skin prick test or IgE blood test can confirm exactly what you are allergic to, so you can take the right steps.

Dr. Dipak Viradia
Chest Physician & Intensivist | Interventional Pulmonologist & ECMO Specialist
Rudrax Chest Clinic, 301, Solaris Royce, Opp. Old RTO, Athwagate, Ring Road, Surat – 395001
Appointment: +91 75676 19985
Website: www.drdipakviradia.com