If you think you are prone to having allergic reactions to certain things, chances are you may really be very sensitive to many types of allergens. The problem is, allergens can be anywhere and everywhere, and it doesn't help that our world has become teeming with noxious substances to add to other, more natural causes of allergies. Here are just a few types of allergies based on their causes:

Natural Causes of Allergies

There are a lot of microscopic organisms in the air we breathe that may trigger allergic reactions. You can start in your own house. Carpets, upholstery, curtains, pillows, and mattresses are usual breeding grounds of dust mites. If the simple task of dusting surfaces or fluffing pillows can easily start you sneezing and make your eyes itch, then you may be extremely sensitive to dust mites. Another household problem that can lead to allergy and sickness is mold. It thrives in warm and humid places, usually in dirty bathrooms and basements with little ventilation. The spores of mold are likewise airborne like dust particles, so it's very important to have all your rooms cleaned up regularly to avoid unwanted health problems.

Other natural causes of allergies are pollen and animal dander. Insect bites and stings - particularly by bees, wasps, hornets, and fire ants - can be very harmful too if you are allergic. If you find yourself experiencing allergic symptoms during certain times of the year, then you may be suffering from seasonal allergies. Hay fever is especially common during spring and fall, largely because of the blossoming of seasonal grasses, trees and flowering plants.

If you have asthma or a history of acute allergic reactions, you should be more careful of environmental allergens. An allergy can be as mild as having a runny nose and rashes, or as bad as having constricted air passages (anaphylaxis) that can lead to death.

Be cautious too of certain kinds of food that may set off allergic reactions, some of the most common being animal milk, soy, shellfish, peanuts, egg whites, berries, and wheat. You may experience tell-tale symptoms like facial and tongue swelling, stomach ache, nausea, diarrhea, and even respiratory congestion. These adverse reactions are very similar to the symptoms of food poisoning, and can be as dangerous.

Drug Allergies

A lot of drug allergies are usually from penicillin, antibiotics and other medicines that contain sulfa. If you are taking new medication and experiencing any unpleasant symptoms, you should immediately discontinue it and consult your prescribing physician. For types of allergies other than drug allergies, over-the-counter antihistamines can normally take care of the milder symptoms. For acute cases, you should seek immediate medical advice.