There are allergens all around us – in the air we breathe, in the foods we eat, and even in the clothes, we wear. These hidden allergens can bring on serious attacks than can land you in the ER, so it’s important for allergy sufferers to be extra diligent, especially when trying new things.
Where Do Allergens Hide?
The most common place we find hidden allergens is in food sources, but clothing and body care products are also culprits. Since companies are allowed to use ingredient names that don’t always clearly indicate the underlying source, people often unknowingly ingest their food allergy triggers.
Common Hidden Allergens
Food Allergens
Peanuts, tree nuts, dairy products, soy products, eggs, fish, and shellfish are the most common food allergens that hide in other foods. For example, did you know that many Asian cuisine sauces include peanuts? Or that there may be milk in your bottled salad dressing, but on the ingredient list it’s called hydrolyzed casein? People with food allergies must educate themselves, scrutinize labels, and question restaurants before ordering to ensure their own safety.
Drug Allergens
You may know that you’re allergic to a specific medication and be able to avoid it by notifying your doctor and pharmacist. But have you ever thought about all those other ingredients, like fillers or coatings, in those medications? Products like cornstarch, wheat, dairy, and gelatin are commonly found in both prescription and over-the-counter medications and are also common food allergy triggers. Because of this, both drug and food allergy sufferers must inspect all medications and supplements they take for potential allergens.
Environmental Allergens
Environmental allergens might be the scariest of all. You can avoid food or medication, but you can’t stop breathing the air around you. If you become surrounded by an airborne allergen and begin having a serious attack, you may not even realize at first that it’s the air around you causing it. People with severe environmental allergies must always check the weather and air quality reports before leaving their homes, wear a respirator mask when needed, avoid opening windows, and never hang clothes outside to dry.
Allergy Testing and Treatment in Tampa Bay
If you have environmental, drug, or food allergies and live in Tampa Bay, trust Dr. Talakkottur and his team to help you identify your triggers, understand your treatment options, and live a life free of debilitating allergy symptoms. Schedule an appointment by calling (813) 874-1852 or booking online today!
