There are many types of allergies, all of which are triggered by allergens. The materials that cause allergic disease in susceptible people are known as allergens. They enter our bodies in a variety of ways:

Inhaled into the nose and the lungs from sources such as airborne pollens of certain trees, grasses and weeds, house dust that include dust mite particles, mold spores, and cat and dog dander; these can be reduced or eliminated through disinfectant sprays;

Ingested by mouth from sources such as shrimp, peanuts and other nuts;

Injected from sources such as reactions to penicillin, several other injected drugs, and stinging insect venom;

Absorbed through the skin from exposure to poison ivy, sumac and oak.

Allergies seem to have some link to heredity. (If both your parents have them, it's more likely you'll develop them). There is some belief that babies, who are not breastfed, are more predisposed to developing allergies. A depressed immune system can encourage the development of allergies.

Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) results from the presence of pollen, affecting mucous membranes of the nose, eyes and airways. There are three hay-fever seasons: February to May, late spring and summer, and fall (or ragweed pollen season). The presence of pollen can be greatly reduced by air purifiers.

Allergies to molds are brought on when cutting grass, harvesting crops, walking through fields/meadows or raking up leaves. Molds grow wherever it is damp and dark such as bathrooms, kitchens, garages and trash cans. These areas should be cleaned with an allergen formula cleaning solution.

The most common foods that people become allergic to are: chocolate, shellfish, wheat, dairy products, strawberries, eggs and sulfites.