Hypersensitivity to Food, Plants, Nickel, Arthropods, and Medications – A Review of the Most Common Allergens
Wojciech Wiśniewski
2026-03-23
3 min. read
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The most frequently occurring causes of allergies include dust, which includes dust mites, animal fur, plant pollen, and fungal mold spores, as well as wool and feathers. Allergies can affect both adults and children, regardless of age. An excessively hygienic lifestyle, air pollution, and early use of antibiotics in childhood can also contribute to the development of allergies. Some individuals suspect that a cesarean section may have an impact on the development of allergies, however, there is no scientific evidence to support this.
Hypersensitivity allergic responses: underlying mechanisms, symptomatic manifestations, and clinical implications
Allergic hypersensitivity, commonly referred to as allergy, represents an aberrant immune system response to foreign, typically benign substances known as allergens. These exogenous antigens may elicit a diverse range of immunological reactions within the body, manifesting across a spectrum of symptoms: from mild afflictions such as rhinitis, urticaria, or conjunctivitis to more severe conditions, including dyspnea resulting from bronchial spasms, angioedema, and—in extreme cases—the life-threatening anaphylactic shock, which constitutes an acute medical emergency necessitating immediate therapeutic intervention.
Prevalent allergic reactions in the general population – symptoms, causes, and risk factors
Allergy to plant pollen is predominantly a seasonal condition, with symptom exacerbation occurring primarily during the spring and summer months. In Poland, the most common allergens include pollen from grasses, deciduous and coniferous trees, as well as weeds and ornamental flowers. Clinically, the condition typically manifests as allergic conjunctivitis (characterized by red, watery, and itchy eyes), rhinitis with clear nasal discharge, and throat irritation or pruritus. Epidemiological estimates suggest that between 15 and 20 percent of the population is affected by this hypersensitivity. Notably, pollen allergy symptoms may exhibit a transient pattern—such as appearing exclusively during adolescence—or spontaneously resolve later in life, sometimes after the age of 60. Another prevalent allergen is nickel, a metal found in everyday items like jewelry, clothing fasteners (e.g., bra clasps, jean buttons), and kitchenware, which can trigger contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals, presenting as erythema, papules, or eczematous lesions. Insect sting allergies, particularly to bee or wasp venom, carry the risk of severe systemic reactions, including life-threatening anaphylactic shock, marked by circulatory collapse, respiratory distress, loss of consciousness, and gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea). Drug allergies are frequently attributed to active pharmaceutical ingredients or excipients, with particular vigilance required for antibiotics, sulfonamides, and heavy metal-containing medications. Food allergies, especially to nuts, can provoke immediate and severe symptoms, such as abdominal pain, mucosal edema, pruritus, and—in extreme cases—anaphylactic shock, which constitutes a medical emergency with potential fatal outcomes if untreated.
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