Allergen facts for kids
An allergen is something that can make your body react in a strong way, even if it's not actually harmful. This strong reaction is called an allergy. Your immune system (your body's defense team) mistakenly thinks the allergen is dangerous and tries to fight it off.
Things like dust, pollen, and pet dander (tiny flakes of skin from animals) are common allergens. People can be allergic to many different things, from chlorine to perfume. Food allergies are less common, but some foods, like peanuts, nuts, seafood, and shellfish, can cause serious allergies in many people. How sensitive someone is to an allergen can be very different from person to person.
Some people get seasonal allergies, which means they only have symptoms during certain times of the year. This usually happens in spring, summer, or fall when certain trees or grasses release their pollen. Seasonal allergies are a big reason why some people have asthma. For example, in Canada, about 75% of people with asthma also have seasonal allergies.
What Are Common Allergens?
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Here are some common things that can cause allergies:
- Cat dander
- Animal Fur and dander
- Cockroach droppings
- Dust mite droppings
- Penicillin (a type of medicine)
- Celery
- Corn
- Eggs - usually the white part
- Pumpkin
- Legumes (like beans and peas)
- Beans
- Peas
- Peanuts
- Soybeans
- Milk
- Seafood
- Sesame
- Pecans
- Almonds
- Wheat
- Bee sting venom
- Wasp sting venom
- Mosquito stings
- Mold spores (tiny mold seeds)
If you have allergies, there are ways to feel better. You can use medicines you buy at the store, like antihistamines or nasal decongestants. Sometimes, doctors suggest allergy shots to help your body get used to the allergen over time.
Images for kids
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Common food allergens
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See also
In Spanish: Alérgeno para niños
