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What Causes Allergies?

Source: American Academy of family physicians 1996-2008. Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff.

You have an allergy when your body overreacts to allergens that cause problems for most people. Your body’s overreacting to the allergens is what causes symptoms:

•  Runny nose
•  Watery eyes
•  Itchy nose, eyes and roof of mouth
•  Sneezing
•  Stuffy nose
•  Pressure in the nose and cheeks
•  Ear fullness and popping
•  Dark circles under the eyes
•  Hives

The most common allergens to cause allergies are pollen from trees, grass and weeds. Allergies that occur in the spring (late April and May) are often due to tree pollen. Allergies occurring in summer (late May to Mid-July) are often due to grass and weed pollen. Allergies that occur in the fall (late August to the first frost) are often due to ragweed.

Mold is common where water tends to collect, such as shower curtains, window moldings and damp basements. This allergy is also found in rotting logs, hay, mulches, commercial peat moss and leaf litter. It usually gets worse during humid and rainy weather.

Proteins found in the skin, saliva, and urine of furry pets such as cats and dogs are allergens. You can get allergies by handling an animal or from house dust that contains dander. Dust is also an allergen. Dust mites are tiny living creatures found in bedding, mattresses, carpeting and upholstered furniture. They live on dead skin and other things found in house dust.

Things that can make your allergy symptoms worse are aerosol sprays, air pollution, cold temperatures, humidity, irritating fumes, tobacco smoke, wind, and wood smoke.

To avoid allergens always shower or bathe before bedtime to wash off pollen and other allergens in your hair and on your skin. Avoid going outside especially on dry, windy days. You can remove the amount of mold in your home by removing houseplants and by frequently cleaning shower curtains, bathroom windows, damp walls, areas with dry rot and indoor trashcans. Use a mix of water and chlorine bleach to kill mold. Also keep temperature set to 70 degrees, and cleaning or replacing mall-particle filters in your central air system.

Medicines that can help reduce symptoms are antithistamines, some can cause drowsiness and dry mouth and some of these require a prescription. Decongestants, cromolyn sodium, nasal steroid sprays, eye drops and allergy shots can help with allergies. Allergy shots are only used when the allergens you’re sensitive to can be identified and when you can’t avoid them. Always contact your health care provider to treat your allergies.


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