Types

• 1). Identify whether the allergenic material is from an animal. About 15 percent of the population is allergic to common household pets and farmyard animals, but mainly to cats and dogs. These animals leave behind animal proteins in the form of flakes of skin or dander, urine or saliva. The hair, fur or feathers of the animal are usually not the problem. Even when there is no cat in the room, an allergic person could still have an allergy attack because of the remains of the animal's proteins.
  
  
• 2). Check whether the allergen comes from food. Many people have an allergic reaction to food at one time or another. Maybe this is why many are confused about food allergies. You may have a vehement or heartfelt reaction to liver, but this isn't necessarily an allergy. Common food allergens include wheat, milk, peanuts, soy and shellfish.
  
  
• 3). Decide whether the allergen is from within the household. Such allergens come in the form of dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, some insects and everyday chemicals. Dust mites, the cause of many allergy symptoms, are tiny creatures that live in pillows, mattresses and other surfaces. Other allergens such as mold spores, pollen and animal dander may be present in dust. Household allergens are major triggers of asthma, and you should be aware of what you react to. Cleaning products, latex and tobacco are all common irritants in the household. Additionally, medicines may cause an allergic reaction.
  
  
• 4). Discern whether this is an allergen mostly found outdoors. Pollen produced by trees, weeds and grasses is a main cause of allergic rhinitis, or "hay fever," which affects more than 35 million Americans. Mold is another allergy offender and, like pollen, can trigger allergies when it becomes airborne in immense numbers. Bee stings or stings from other insects may also cause an allergic reaction.