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, serums)
Foods (such as milk, chocolate, strawberries, wheat)
Review Date: 2/15/2007
Reviewed By: Donald Accetta, MD, MPH, President, Allergy & Asthma Care, PC, Taunton, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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