Foods - Certain foods cause the immune system to react with a level of sensitivity to what you are eating. For everyone, the types of foods will be different, and can be a combination of an independent food, such as milk or eggs, or a substance that is in a food, such as the wheat that is in bread.

Pollens, molds, trees - As much as you may outdoors, your immune system may disagree. Spring and fall will often cause a rise in allergies, specifically because the immune system will not respond well to the extra substances that are in the air. The most common reactions to outdoor allergies are watery eyes, a runny nose and a scratchy throat.

Insects and insect bites - It is common that insect bites and being around certain insects can cause the immune system to react and respond to what is occurring.

Animals - Cats, dogs and the friendly creatures that dwell in someone's home can also be the cause of allergic reactions. It is not not the actual animal in which someone is allergic to, but is instead the hair, dander and other parts of the animal that cause a reaction to the environment.

Skin irritants - When you rub certain things on your skin, it can cause a reaction as well, usually seen by the skin breaking out in a rash, eczema or hives. Things such as chemicals, latex, dyes, plants, metals and cosmetics will often contain a mixture of things that can be seen as allergens, causing you to react in order to get the substance off of your skin.

Medications - While some may want to be allergic to some medications, others will have legitimate reactions when they are placed in their body. Whether you are getting a special injection or have to take a general medication for illness, your body can react with allergies while trying to defend your body against these foreign substances. Medications can include anything from regular medicines to vaccines to specialized hormones that may have been recommended to you.

Understanding the different types of allergies and where you can get them from will allow you to be more aware of the things you are around and why you are reacting the way you are.

Until next time!