HomeCommon Allergens

Common Allergens

Understanding specific allergens is the first step toward prevention and safety. Learn about the most common triggers, their symptoms, and how to protect yourself.

Food Allergies

The most common cause of anaphylaxis. Learn about the top food allergens and cross-contact risks.

Insect Stings

Bee, wasp, and other insect sting allergies can cause severe reactions in sensitized individuals.

Medications

Drug allergies can range from mild rashes to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Latex

Natural rubber latex found in gloves, balloons, and medical equipment can trigger reactions.

Environmental

Pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander cause respiratory and skin symptoms.

Food Allergies

The leading cause of anaphylaxis outside of hospitals

The Top 9 Food Allergens

These nine foods account for about 90% of all food allergic reactions in the United States.

Allergen	Prevalence	Key Notes
Peanuts	~2% of children	One of the most common causes of food-induced anaphylaxis. Often lifelong.
Tree Nuts	~1% of population	Includes almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans, pistachios. Cross-reactivity is common.
Milk	~2-3% of infants	Most children outgrow by age 5. Different from lactose intolerance.
Eggs	~1.5% of children	Many children outgrow. Some tolerate baked egg but not raw.
Wheat	~0.4% of children	Different from celiac disease (autoimmune). May outgrow.
Soy	~0.4% of children	Usually outgrown. Found in many processed foods.
Fish	~0.5% of population	Usually lifelong. Cooking does not destroy allergens.
Shellfish	~2% of adults	Includes shrimp, crab, lobster. Often develops in adulthood.
Sesame	~0.2% of US population	Added as the 9th major allergen in the US (2023).

Cross-Contact

Cross-contact occurs when a food allergen is unintentionally transferred from one food to another.

This can happen through shared cooking surfaces, utensils, fryers, or improper food handling. Even trace amounts can trigger reactions in highly sensitive individuals.

Prevention Tips

Always read ingredient labels carefully
Ask about ingredients when eating out
Avoid foods with precautionary labels if highly sensitive
Carry epinephrine if prescribed

When to Seek Help

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience throat tightness, difficulty breathing, widespread hives, or feel faint after eating.

Insect Sting Allergies

Approximately 2 million Americans are allergic to insect stings

Common Stinging Insects

Honeybees

Leave stinger behind. Can only sting once.

Wasps & Hornets

Can sting multiple times. More aggressive when disturbed.

Yellow Jackets

Often found near food. Nest in ground or walls.

Fire Ants

Found in southern US. Attack in large numbers.

Typical Symptoms

Pain and swelling at sting site
Redness and itching
Mild warmth around area

Normal reactions usually subside within a few hours to days.

Prevention Tips

Avoid wearing bright colors and floral patterns outdoors
Don't walk barefoot in grass
Keep food covered at outdoor events
Consider venom immunotherapy if highly allergic

Medication Allergies

Drug allergies account for 5-10% of all adverse drug reactions

Penicillin & Antibiotics

Penicillin is the most common drug allergy, affecting up to 10% of people. However, many who believe they're allergic can safely take it after testing.

Related antibiotics (cephalosporins, carbapenems) may cross-react in some individuals.

NSAIDs & Aspirin

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin) can cause allergic reactions or non-allergic hypersensitivity.

Symptoms range from hives to asthma exacerbation to anaphylaxis.

Other Common Triggers

Chemotherapy drugs
Anesthetics
Contrast dyes (imaging)
Anticonvulsants

Important

Always inform healthcare providers of any drug allergies before receiving medications. Consider wearing a medical alert bracelet if you have severe drug allergies.

Latex Allergies

Affecting 1-6% of the general population, higher in healthcare workers

Common Latex Products

Medical/Dental

Examination gloves
Surgical gloves
Catheters
Blood pressure cuffs
Stethoscope tubing

Everyday Items

Balloons
Rubber bands
Condoms
Elastic waistbands
Some shoe soles

Cross-Reactive Foods

Some people with latex allergies also react to certain foods (latex-fruit syndrome): bananas, avocados, kiwis, chestnuts, and passion fruit contain similar proteins.

Types of Latex Reactions

Type I (IgE-mediated)

True allergic reaction. Can cause hives, swelling, breathing problems, or anaphylaxis within minutes of exposure.

Type IV (Delayed)

Contact dermatitis. Causes skin rash, itching, and blistering 24-48 hours after contact. Not life-threatening.

Irritant Dermatitis

Not a true allergy. Caused by powder in gloves or frequent hand washing. Causes dry, irritated skin.