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Allergen
An allergen is a substance that can cause an allergic reaction . In some people, the immune system recognizes allergens as foreign or dangerous. As a result, the immune system reacts by making a type of antibody called IgE to defend against the allergen. This reaction leads to allergy symptoms.
Allergic reaction
Allergic reactions are sensitivities to substances called allergens that come into contact with the skin, nose, eyes, respiratory tract, and gastroin...
Antibody
An antibody is a protein produced by the body's immune system when it detects harmful substances, called antigens. Examples of antigens include micr...
Information
Common allergens include:
- Animal proteins and animal dander
- Dust
- Drugs (such as antibiotics or medicines you put on your skin)
- Foods (such as egg, peanut, milk, nuts, soy, fish, animal meat, and wheat)
- Fungal spores
- Insect and mite feces
- Insect bites and stings (their venom)
- Natural rubber latex
- Pollen
References
Stewart GA, Richardson JP, Zhang J, Robinson C. The structure and function of allergens. In: Adkinson NF Jr., Bochner BS, Burks AW, et al., eds. In: Middleton's Allergy Principles and Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2014:chap 26.
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Positive reaction to allergen - illustration
Allergic reaction is a sensitivity to a specific substance, called an allergen, that is contacted through the skin, inhaled into the lungs, swallowed or injected. The body's reaction to an allergen can be mild, such as a localized rash, or life-threatening, such as anaphylactic shock.
Positive reaction to allergen
illustration
-
Positive reaction to allergen - illustration
Allergic reaction is a sensitivity to a specific substance, called an allergen, that is contacted through the skin, inhaled into the lungs, swallowed or injected. The body's reaction to an allergen can be mild, such as a localized rash, or life-threatening, such as anaphylactic shock.
Positive reaction to allergen
illustration
Review Date: 2/15/2015
Reviewed By: Stuart I. Henochowicz, MD, FACP, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Georgetown University Medical School, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
