An allergenis a substance that causes an allergic reaction.

Some examples of common allergens aredust mites, cat dander, and pollen.

More often, they cause bothersome symptoms such as runny nose,congestion, and watery eyes.

Woman sneezing from flowers in her home.

Peter Dazeley / Getty Images

“Eighty percent of asthma and allergy care is given by primary care physicians and pediatricians.

Asthma guidelines alone are over 400 pages.

Dr. Reinhardt recommends that patients become familiar with their lab results.

Once you’ve discoveredwhatyou are allergic to, you’re able to start to eliminate it.

There are many options.

But removing allergens is sometimes easier said than done.

Let’s say you have a pet dander allergy.

If these measures fail and you’re really suffering, it may be necessary to find a new home.

Let your healthcare provider be your guide.

Some sources recommend encasing your bedding in a plastic or rubber wrapping.

It is also important to dehumidify your home, since dust mites thrive in humid environments.

Moldcan be difficult to remove.

Sometimes it grows because the air is so humid; again a dehumidifier may be helpful.

The first step in removing mold is to confirm that everything is dried out.

A Word From Verywell

We have covered only some of the more common allergy/asthma triggers.

Siles RI, Hsieh FH.Allergy blood testing: A practical guide for clinicians.Cleve Clin J Med.

2011;78(9):585-92. doi:10.3949/ccjm.78a.11023

American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Pet allergy.

American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Dust allergy.

Environmental Protection Agency.Mold cleanup in your home.