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Common Allergy Triggers Slideshow Pictures Take the Quiz on Allergies Allergy Proof Your Home Slideshow

Medical Author:

Alan Szeftel, MD

Alan Szeftel, MD

Dr. Szeftel received his Medical Degree from the University of Cape Town Medical School in South Africa. His clinical training was at Groote Schuur Hospital. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at Brigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard University. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Diseases, Critical Care and Allergy and Immunology.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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In this Article

• Allergy facts
• What does an allergy mean?
• What causes allergies?
• Who is at risk and why?
• What are common allergic conditions, and what are allergy symptoms and signs?
• Hay Fever
• Asthma
• Allergic Eyes
• Allergic Eczema
• Hives
• Allergic Shock
• Where are allergens? Everywhere
• In the air we breathe
• In what we ingest
• Touching our skin
• Injected into our body
• Common Allergy Triggers Slideshow
• Take the Quiz on Allergies
• Allergy Proof Your Home Slideshow
• Find a local Asthma & Allergy Specialist in your town

Injected into Our Body

The most severe reactions can occur when allergens are injected into the body and gain direct access to the blood stream. This access carries the risk of a generalized reaction, such as anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. The following are commonly injected allergens that can cause severe allergic reactions:

• Insect venom
• Medications
• Vaccines (including allergy shots)
• Hormones (for example, insulin)

REFERENCES:

Fiocchi A, Assa'ad A, Bahna S; Adverse Reactions to Foods Committee; American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Food allergy and the introduction of solid foods to infants: a consensus document. Adverse Reactions to Foods Committee, American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2006 Jul;97(1):10-20; quiz 21, 77.

Price D, Bond C, Bouchard J, Costa R, Keenan J, Levy ML, Orru M, Ryan D, Walker S, Watson M. International Primary Care Respiratory Group (IPCRG) Guidelines: management of allergic rhinitis. Prim Care Respir J. 2006 Feb;15(1):58-70. Epub 2005 Dec 27.

American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology. Food allergy: a practice parameter. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2006 Mar;96(3 Suppl 2):S1-68. No abstract available.

Flinterman AE, Pasmans SG, Hoekstra MO, Meijer Y, van Hoffen E, Knol EF, Hefle SL, Bruijnzeel-Koomen CA, Knulst AC. Determination of no-observed-adverse-effect levels and eliciting doses in a representative group of peanut-sensitized children. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2006 Feb;117(2):448-54.

Scibilia J, Pastorello EA, Zisa G, Ottolenghi A, Bindslev-Jensen C, Pravettoni V, Scovena E, Robino A, Ortolani C. Wheat allergy: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study in adults. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2006 Feb;117(2):433-9.

Medically Reviewed By: Ellen Reich, MD, Board Certified in Allergy and Immunology, Board Certified in Pediatrics