Final answer:
The most common category of allergens is food, which includes substances like peanuts and shellfish that can cause immediate hypersensitivity reactions like anaphylaxis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Food allergens are the most common category of allergens. These allergens can trigger various symptoms including sneezing, red itchy eyes, itchy rashes, coughing, and even anaphylaxis in severe cases. Common food allergens include peanuts, shellfish, nuts, eggs, grains, and milk.
When an individual with a food allergy ingests a triggering food, their immune system reacts as though these typically harmless proteins are dangerous, often leading to immediate hypersensitivity reactions. For some people, this reaction can be life-threatening and requires emergency medical attention, known as anaphylaxis. It is important to distinguish between food allergies and intolerances, as they involve different immune system responses and consequently present different symptoms and risks.
An allergy is a result of the immune system’s inflammatory response to an otherwise harmless substance, or allergen. Substances like pollen, animal dander, and specific medications like aspirin and penicillin are also known allergens, but food allergens tend to be the most prevalent in causing allergic reactions.