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Allergen Health Article

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Table of Contents
Definition Information
Reviewer Info: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. ; ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia, 02/19/2009

Definition

An allergen is a substance that can cause an allergic reaction. Allergens are substances that, in some people, the immune system recognizes as "foreign" or "dangerous" but cause no response for most people.

Information

Common allergens include:

  • Bacteria, viruses, and animal parasites
  • Chemicals
  • Dust
  • Drugs (such as antibiotics or medications you put on your skin)
  • Foods (such as milk, chocolate, strawberries, wheat)
  • Perfumes
  • Plants
  • Pollen
  • Smoke

See also:
Positive reaction to allergen
Positive reaction t...

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