Allergen
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:
- chemicals and plants
- drugs (such as antibiotics, serums)
- foods (such as milk, chocolate, strawberries, wheat)
- infectious bacteria, viruses, and animal parasites
- inhalants (such as dust, pollen, perfumes, smoke)
- physical agents (such as heat, light, friction, radiation)
See also:
Review Date:
2/7/2005
Reviewed By: Frederic F. Little, M.D., Department of Allergy and Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
Reviewed By: Frederic F. Little, M.D., Department of Allergy and Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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