Do your eyes start to water during the spring? Have you ever experienced extreme itching after eating something? If you have ever experienced something like this, you might have experienced an allergic reaction.
Allergic reactions are your body’s response to allergens. These reactions can range from rashes to more life-threatening symptoms.
Here are 10 interesting facts about allergies you might NOT have heard of before.
1. There are different types of allergy tests.
Allergy tests are performed to help you pin down the specific cause of your allergic reactions. The different types of allergy tests are:
– Skin Prick Test – Intradermal Skin Test – Patch Test – Blood Test
2. There 5 common types of allergens found in the Philippines.
Allergens are different substances that can cause an allergic reaction. These are the most common allergens in the Philippines.
a. Molds: Molds grow during warmer months in moist and damp places. b. Dust Mites: These pests are found in beds, sofas, and even carpets. They tend to multiply fast. c. Pollen: Pollen is responsible for seasonal allergies. It is a fine powdery substance made up of pollen grains from the seeds of plants and trees. d. Fish and Seafood: Fish is the most common food allergy in the Philippines. e. Pet Dander: Pet dander is the most common allergy from pets. It ranges from the pet’s saliva, urine, and skin.
3. People who have hay fever are NOT allergic to hay.
Allergic rhinitis is also called “hay fever”. Hay fever causes cold-like symptoms like runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, congestions, and sneezing. It is seasonal and is caused by molds or pollen.
Despite its name, hay fever does not mean you have a fever. It is not the cause of a virus but rather an allergic reaction to allergens.
4. It is possible to develop a food allergy even if you haven’t had a problem eating it before.
Studies from the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, allergy to certain foods can appear at any age. The allergy can develop even if you have eaten food years before.
5. Certain metals like nickel and cobalt can trigger allergic reactions.
On the other hand, metals like copper, gold, platinum, sterling silver, and stainless steel are least likely to cause allergic reactions.
6. Temperatures over 109.4 °F can cause an allergic reaction called heart urticaria.
Heart urticaria occurs when exposed to direct contact of a warm stimulus (direct and indirect heat, hot air, hot food, and drinks, etc.) to the skin. The reaction can occur within minutes and resolves within 1-2 hours.
This allergic reaction is rare with only a few reported cases.
7. Household pets like cats, dogs, guinea pigs, and birds are most likely to cause allergic reactions to people.
People can get allergic reactions by coming in contact with the animal’s skin cells, saliva, or urine. Pet allergy symptoms are the same as with those with hay fever.
8. Food intolerance DOES NOT mean that you are allergic to a specific food.
Food intolerance is described as having an unrelated deficiency or disorder and can be cured if the underlying problem is resolved.
9. Most allergies in the Philippines are caused by the weather.
The Philippines only has 2 seasons, and most of those who develop allergic reactions experience it during the dry season. The common reactions are allergic rhinitis and asthma and are typically mild.
10. There are 5 insects that can cause allergic reactions to humans.
The insects that can cause allergic reactions to humans when bitten are fire ants, bees, hornets, wasps, and yellow jackets.
