What is an allergen?

Complete list of allergens and effective solutions for eliminating them

Today, allergies affect a growing proportion of the population, in both children and adults. Whether food, respiratory or skin allergies, they can have a major impact on quality of life. To better prevent and control them, it is essential to understand what an allergen is, to know the main allergens that exist, and above all to discover effective solutions for eliminating them or limiting exposure.

In this comprehensive article, Protech Allergies explains everything you need to know about allergens, and guides you towards concrete solutions for living in a healthier, safer environment.

What is an allergen?

An allergen is a substance that is generally harmless to most people, but which provokes an excessive immune system reaction in allergy sufferers. When the body comes into contact with an allergen, it mistakenly considers it a threat and triggers a defensive reaction.

This reaction can manifest itself in a variety of symptoms:

sneezing, runny nose or nasal congestion, itching, redness or eczema,

coughing, shortness of breath, asthma attacks, digestive problems and, in the most serious cases, anaphylactic shock.

anaphylactic shock.

Allergens can be inhaled, ingested or come into contact with the skin, which explains the diversity of existing allergies.

How does an allergic reaction work?

On first contact with an allergen, the body becomes "sensitized", without necessarily showing symptoms. The immune system then produces specific antibodies called IgE.

On subsequent exposure :

The allergen is recognized by IgE antibodies.

Immune cells release histamine and other inflammatory substances.

Allergic symptoms appear.

This is why an allergy can develop gradually, even in adulthood.

Complete list of main allergens

1. Respiratory allergens

These are the most common, often responsible for allergic rhinitis and asthma.

House dust mites thrive in mattresses, pillows, carpets and curtains. They are favored by heat and humidity.

Pollens

Grass pollens

Tree pollens (birch, cypress, olive, etc.)

Herbaceous pollens (ragweed)

Molds

Indoor (bathrooms, cellars, damp walls)

Outdoor (dead leaves, damp floors)

Animal hair and dander

Cats, dogs, rodents, horses

It's not the hair but the proteins present on the skin and saliva that are allergenic.

2. Food allergens

These are responsible for sometimes severe allergies and must be taken very seriously.

The 14 major allergens recognized in Canada are :

milk

eggs

fish

shellfish

shellfish

peanuts,

nuts (almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, etc.),

soy,

wheat (gluten),

sesame,

mustard,

celery,

lupin,

sulfites.

These allergens may even be present in trace amounts, so extra vigilance is essential.

3. Contact allergens

These mainly provoke cutaneous reactions.

Metals

Nickel (jewelry, watches, buttons)

Chromium, cobalt

Chemical products

Perfumes

Preservatives

Dyes

Household products

Cosmetics

Creams

Make-up

Shampoos

Wipes

4. Other allergens

Insect stings (bees, wasps)

Medication (penicillin, anti-inflammatories)

Latex

Air pollutants that can aggravate allergic reactions

Why is it essential to eliminate allergens?

Repeated exposure to allergens can :

aggravate symptoms over time,

encourage the development of new allergies,

disrupt sleep,

impact concentration and productivity,

considerably reduce quality of life.

The good news is that today there are effective solutions for reducing and eliminating allergens, particularly in the home.

Effective solutions for eliminating allergens

Fighting allergens in the home

1. Protect bedding

Use certified dust mite covers

Wash sheets and pillowcases at 60°C minimum

Air the bedroom daily

Regular maintenance

Vacuum cleaner with HEPA filter

Damp cleaning to prevent resuspension of dust

Reduce use of carpets, rugs and thick curtains

Humidity control

Keep humidity below 50%.

Repair leaks

Ventilate damp rooms

2. Reduce exposure to pollens

Close windows at peak pollen times

Wash hair after prolonged outings

Avoid drying clothes outdoors

Use suitable air purifiers

3. Prevent food allergies

Read labels carefully

Avoid cross-contamination

Inform family, friends and healthcare professionals

Use dedicated utensils if necessary

4. Limit contact allergens

Choose hypoallergenic cosmetics

Avoid jewelry containing nickel

Wear protective gloves when cleaning

Test new products on a small area of skin

The key role of Protech Allergies

At Protech Allergies, our mission is to help allergy sufferers create a healthier environment through :

high-quality allergy protection solutions,

a rigorous selection of products adapted to sensitive people,

expert advice to prevent allergic risks on a daily basis.

Taking action on the environment is an essential lever for sustainably reducing symptoms and regaining greater comfort in life.

Conclusion

An allergen is much more than a simple trigger: it's a factor that can profoundly affect health and well-being. By identifying the allergens responsible, understanding how they work and implementing appropriate solutions, it's possible to regain control.

Whether at home, at work or on the move, prevention remains the best weapon against allergies. Thanks to reliable information and effective equipment, living with an allergy becomes simpler and more serene.