Condition
Allergy-causing
Andrey Nailor, M.D.Published 28 March 20051 min read
Key points
- An allergen is a substance that can cause an allergic reaction.
- Allergens are substances that, in some people, the immune system recognizes as "foreign" or "dangerous" but cause no response for most people.
Alternative names
Allergen; Irritant
Definition
An allergen is a substance that can cause an allergic reaction. Allergens are substances that, in some people, the immune system recognizes as "foreign" or "dangerous" but cause no response for most people.
Information
Common allergens include:
- chemicals and plants
- drugs (such as antibiotics, serums)
- foods (such as milk, chocolate, strawberries, wheat)
- infectious bacteria, viruses, and animal parasites
- inhalants (such as dust, pollen, perfumes, smoke)
- physical agents (such as heat, light, friction, radiation)
See also:
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
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