Two factors come into play with all allergic reactions. These are the allergen and the person who is sensitive to it. An allergen is any substance that causes an allergic reaction in an individual. To understand some of the common causes of allergic reactions, a little simple science is all that is needed.

You may not be conscious of it, but your carpets and rugs are an assembly point for many varieties of airborne pollutants, including bacteria and dust mites that settle into the fibers. Additionally, any upholstered furnishings along with beds and bedding also have great concentrations of things such as dust mites, and wherever dust mites are found, there will also be an abundance of dust mite feces. Getting rid of these kinds of allergens and pollutants from the home can be effectively acomplished by using a HEPA vacuum for allergies on a regular basis.

It is very seldom that an allergy becomes a risk to life. Admittedly, a number of folks are so sensitive to wasp venom they can die from a solitary sting, if not treated right away. Similarly, asthma can have serious effects as well, but for the majority, allergies are simply a pain in the neck. Not only do they make it difficult to focus, they also make us itch, cause runny noses and watery eyes, encourage wheezing and a catalog of other frustrating symptoms.

When attempting to keep the allergen level in your bedroom at a low level, there are a number of areas you need to look at. Few households can expect to maintain a totally allergen-free home, but it is possible to push it lower than the threshold of the most sensitive family members.

If you suffer from an allergy to dust mites, you may think that normal household dust is the cause of your suffering. However, dust in itself is not generally an allergen, even for sensitive folks. It is dust mites that are the common cause of allergic reactions since they live on the small particles that are in everyone's home. As they produce feces and their bodies decay, they introduce proteins into the environment that the immune system may judge to be foreign invaders. That in turn triggers a release of antibodies called IgE or immunoglobulin E. Those stimulate the release of histamine, which creates the common allergy symptoms such as watery, itchy eyes (conjunctivitis), runny nose (allergic rhinitis or hay fever) and others.

Every year, it is estimated that over fifty million Americans are affected with some type of allergy. Many of these hypersensitive reactions, such as mild seasonal hay fever can be handled with over-the-counter drugs or with no treatment at all. On the other hand, some allergies can have a big effect on your life and in some cases, even become life threatening. If this is the case, you should see a doctor for a complete review and allergy testing.

There is little good news associated with finding out that you are allergic. Unfortunately, all too many folks have first hand experience of allergies and allergic reactions. The itchy eyes, runny nose, skin rash and other assorted symptoms are uncomfortably recognizable. However a more exact medical definition of the causes of allergies may well be helpful, since it is the first step towards diagnosis along with treatment for the correct condition.