Health Care Encyclopedia
| |
AllergenDefinition: 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.
|
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
|  |
|
|
|
|
