7 Unknown Things That Cause Allergies

7 Unknown Things That Cause Allergies

Allergy sufferers are well aware of the annoyance associated with itchy, watery eyes and a runny nose. Even if you are careful to avoid pollens and dust within your home there may be some other causes of allergies you may not be aware of.  Most allergy sufferers are aware of the common culprits, but here are 7 unknown things that cause allergies.

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, 50 million people in the U.S. experience nasal allergies, with symptoms ranging from sneezing, stuffy, runny nose, to watery eyes and hives. Because an allergy is simply a sensitivity that a person has to a food, chemical or substance, people can be allergic to anything from pollen, to pets and even food.

Although seasonal allergies are the most known, everyone has different triggers so it is difficult to associate allergies with the weather. If you have experienced regular allergy symptoms with no viable solution, consider these 7 unknown  things that cause allergies.

1. Candles and Scents – Although it is nice to have your indoor air smelling pretty. Air fresheners and candles contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) that can cause allergy-like symptoms such as a runny nose and headache.
2. Perfume – Some people are so sensitive to perfumes, that it causes headaches, nausea and sinusitis.
3. Plastic – There are chemicals in plastic like xenoestrogens and BPA that can cause estrogen levels to raise in your body. These chemicals can cause symptoms of asthma hay fever and eczema.
4. Herbs – Believe it or not, some people are actually allergic to herbs. While herbs contain many health benefits, but for some people can be harmful and cause nausea, upset stomach and even headaches. Some of the herbs responsible for causing allergic reactions are chamomile, Echinacea and dandelion, as these herbs come from the plants of common allergens.
5. Alcohol – Allergy prone individuals should really avoid alcohol, especially wine. Beer, wine and liquor all contain histamine, the chemical that causes allergy symptoms. The clinical and experimental allergy journal states that having 2 or more glasses of wine per day can almost double your risk of allergy symptoms.
6. Your home – Believe it or not, there may be some harmful chemicals and solvents within your home that are making your home a toxic environment for you. These things can come from paints, carpeting, soaps and deodorants. You may want to try to find out which of these is putting a burden on your indoor air quality and try eliminating it from your environment.
7. Stress – While stress is annoying enough, it can also make you feel sick.   It has been said that people who suffer from allergies experience more symptoms when they are stressed.

Allergies can be triggered from more than one allergen at a time, so it’s probably a good idea to start paying attention in case one of these 7 unknown things that cause allergies.