Quick Answer: The 8 most common types of allergies are pollen (hay fever), food, insect stings, medications, mould, pets, latex, and perfumes or household chemicals. Allergies happen when the immune system overreacts to something harmless. Most cause sneezing, itching, rashes or swelling, but some — especially food, insect sting and drug allergies — can trigger anaphylaxis, a life-threatening emergency. If you suspect an allergy, see your GP about allergy testing.
Allergies can develop at any age because your immune system is constantly changing. With allergies, your immune system is overreacting to allergens that are, in most cases, harmless.
Australia has some of the highest allergy rates in the world. Around 1 in 5 Australians has hay fever, and around 1 in 10 infants develops a food allergy in the first year of life. For a look at common immune system misconceptions, read Immune System Myths: What's Actually True? on our sister site, Moringa Leaf.
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. Signs include difficulty breathing or noisy breathing, swelling of the tongue or throat, a hoarse voice, wheezing or persistent cough, dizziness or collapse, and in young children, paleness and floppiness.
What to do: lay the person flat (or let them sit with legs outstretched if breathing is difficult) — do not let them stand or walk. Give an adrenaline injector (EpiPen® or Anapen®) if available, call 000 for an ambulance, and follow the person's ASCIA Action Plan.
In This Article
- The 8 Most Common Types of Allergies
- Allergy Testing and When to See Your GP
- Everyday Tips to Reduce Allergy Symptoms
- Where Turmeric Australia Fits In
- FAQs
- Our Simple Recommendation
- References
The 8 Most Common Types of Allergies
There are 8 typical types of allergies:
- Pollen
- Food
- Insect stings
- Drugs
- Mould
- Pets
- Latex
- Perfumes and household chemicals
1. Pollen
One of the most common allergy causes in the world is pollen, which causes allergic rhinitis, otherwise known as hay fever, with symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose and itchy eyes. 1 in 5 Australians suffer from hay fever. It's often related to the spring season, when plants release a fine yellow powder to fertilise the same plant species, giving off pollen particles carried on breezes straight to your nose, mouth and eyes. It takes about 10 days for the symptoms to diminish, so we recommend taking turmeric daily to reduce the inflammation. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, can reduce the swelling and irritation of allergic rhinitis. Purchase good quality organic turmeric capsules from Turmeric Australia.
Thunderstorm asthma: in south-eastern Australia, spring thunderstorms can break grass pollen into tiny particles that are breathed deep into the lungs, triggering sudden, severe asthma — even in people who've never had asthma before. If you have hay fever, keep an eye on pollen and thunderstorm asthma forecasts in spring, and stay indoors with windows closed during storms.
Effective hay fever treatments include saline nasal rinses, antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays — ask your pharmacist which suits you.
2. Food
Over the last 4 decades, there has been a substantial increase in food allergies that scientists struggle to readily explain. Peanuts, milk, soy, wheat, eggs, tree nuts and shellfish feature extensively as food allergy triggers. A food allergy reaction can often be sudden and tragic if not treated immediately. The body can produce an anaphylactic reaction, which is life-threatening. Patients aware of their severe reactions always carry an adrenaline injector (EpiPen®) with them. Adrenaline works immediately to stimulate the heart, raise blood pressure, relieve throat constriction and reduce any swelling. Peanuts and shellfish are very high triggers for anaphylactic shock. Loss of consciousness can happen quickly.
For parents: Australian guidelines now recommend introducing common allergy foods, including smooth peanut butter and cooked egg, in the first year of life (around 6 months, but not before 4 months) and continuing to offer them regularly. This can help reduce the risk of developing a food allergy.
3. Insect Stings
Venom from bee, wasp and ant stings can cause reactions in susceptible people, often triggering a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction. In Australia, the honeybee, paper wasps and bull ants (including the jack jumper ant, particularly in Tasmania) cause the most allergic reactions. Symptoms include throat swelling with breathing trouble and a rash. Blood pressure drops as your body goes into shock. There may also be tummy pain and vomiting. Again, people aware of their condition carry an adrenaline injector for immediate relief. On average 3 people die each year in Australia from anaphylactic shock. On a lesser scale, a person may just experience an overall rash as an allergic reaction. There is no explanation as to why people are affected differently.
Removing a bee sting: flick or scrape the sting out sideways with a fingernail or card as quickly as possible, rather than squeezing it. People with severe insect sting allergies can ask their doctor about venom immunotherapy, which can greatly reduce the risk of future reactions.
4. Drugs
A drug side effect is not the same as a drug allergy. A drug allergy induces an immune system reaction. All medications are capable of triggering an allergy. Hives, rash, swelling or fever are the most common symptoms, with anaphylactic shock possible too. Penicillin is the most common drug allergy, reported by about 10% of the population. Reactions to drugs can happen the very first time the drug is taken or develop over time. No one person is the same. It is simply your immune system producing antibodies to the drug. The antibodies move to cells that release chemicals, causing reactions in your nose, lungs, throat, sinuses, ears, the lining of the stomach or on the skin.
Good to know: more than 9 in 10 people labelled as penicillin-allergic turn out not to be allergic when properly tested. Ask your GP about penicillin allergy testing — removing an incorrect label can give you access to safer, more effective antibiotics.
5. Mould
A mould allergy is your immune system overreacting to mould spores that you have inhaled. You will feel miserable with the proverbial runny nose and itchy eyes. A mould allergy can be linked to asthma, giving you breathing difficulties and wheezing. It is advisable to operate a dehumidifier in your home to reduce humidity and keep the air dry.
Other ways to reduce mould: fix leaks promptly, use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, open windows on dry days, and clean visible mould with a mould remover or diluted vinegar.
6. Pets
Mostly associated with cats and dogs, any animal with hair, fur or feathers can set you on a path of sneezing, runny nose and swollen eyes. Your body reacts to proteins in an animal's skin cells, saliva or urine. Symptoms are similar to hay fever. Your immune system has made a mistake and starts making antibodies to something that is not harmful to you.
Keeping pets out of the bedroom, washing bedding weekly and using a vacuum with a HEPA filter can help reduce exposure.
7. Latex
Latex allergy has developed over recent decades. Most people who have an allergic reaction have had constant exposure to latex, such as doctors, nurses and dentists, though the affected people probably have a predisposition to asthma and eczema. Latex protein can leach from gloves into your skin, or when gloves are taken off, the protein can become airborne.
Some people with latex allergy also react to certain foods, such as banana, avocado, kiwifruit and chestnut — known as latex-fruit syndrome.
8. Perfumes and Chemicals
Over 2,500 chemicals can cause irritations. People sensitive to chemicals probably find strong scents problematic and will react with allergy symptoms. Sensitivity to smells is called hyperosmia. Citronella is a common trigger, as is cigarette smoke. Perfumes are used in soaps, cosmetics, sunscreens and more. Preservatives and antibacterial chemicals are added to liquids. Formaldehyde is in nail care products. Fragrances and chemicals are not allergens. They are chemical aggravations. The majority of reactions are just sensitivities, as an allergy happens when reacting to an organic protein.
When fragrances and preservatives touch the skin, some people develop an itchy, red rash called contact dermatitis. Choosing fragrance-free products and patch testing new skincare can help. To learn more about what your skin can reveal, read The Skin–Immune Connection on Nature's Help.
Allergy Testing and When to See Your GP
Do contact your doctor and ask about an allergy skin test. Up to 50 substances can be tested. A positive reaction will cause an itchy raised lump. This will guide you towards actions you can take to minimise your risk.
Your GP may refer you for a skin prick test or a blood test (specific IgE). For skin reactions to fragrances and chemicals, a different test called patch testing is used. Avoid at-home or online allergy tests that aren't recommended by ASCIA, as results can be misleading. See your GP if:
- You've had a reaction involving swelling, breathing difficulty or dizziness
- You suspect a food, insect or drug allergy
- Hay fever or other allergy symptoms aren't controlled with over-the-counter treatments
- You think you've been wrongly labelled as allergic to a medication
Everyday Tips to Reduce Allergy Symptoms
- Check daily pollen counts in spring and keep windows closed on high-pollen and windy days.
- Shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors in pollen season.
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water to reduce dust mites.
- Use a dehumidifier and good ventilation to keep mould under control.
- Choose fragrance-free personal care and cleaning products.
- If you have a known severe allergy, always carry your adrenaline injector and ASCIA Action Plan.
Where Turmeric Australia Fits In
Turmeric has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Our Organic Turmeric Capsules are an easy way to include turmeric in your daily wellness routine. They're not a treatment for allergies or anaphylaxis — always follow your doctor's advice and carry any prescribed medication.
Shop Organic Turmeric Capsules →
FAQs
What are the most common types of allergies?
The most common types are pollen (hay fever), food, insect stings, medications, mould, pets, latex, and perfumes or household chemicals.
Can you develop allergies as an adult?
Yes. Allergies can develop at any age because your immune system is constantly changing. Hay fever, shellfish and some drug allergies commonly appear in adulthood.
What are the signs of anaphylaxis?
Signs include difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue or throat, a hoarse voice, wheezing, persistent cough, dizziness or collapse. Lay the person flat, give an adrenaline injector if available, and call 000 immediately.
How do I know if I have an allergy or an intolerance?
An allergy involves the immune system and can cause hives, swelling or anaphylaxis. An intolerance, such as lactose intolerance, doesn't involve the immune system and usually causes digestive symptoms. Your GP can help work out which it is.
How are allergies tested?
Common tests include skin prick testing and blood tests for specific IgE antibodies. Patch testing is used for contact allergies to fragrances and chemicals. Ask your GP for a referral.
What is thunderstorm asthma?
Thunderstorm asthma happens when spring storms break grass pollen into tiny particles that are breathed deep into the lungs, triggering sudden asthma — even in people with hay fever who've never had asthma. Stay indoors with windows closed during spring storms.
Can turmeric help with hay fever?
Turmeric has a long history of traditional use, and early research has looked at curcumin for nasal allergy symptoms, but evidence is limited. Antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays and saline rinses are proven options — ask your pharmacist.
Our Simple Recommendation
If you suspect an allergy, see your GP and ask about proper testing — especially for food, insect sting or drug reactions. Learn the signs of anaphylaxis and what to do, keep pollen and mould exposure down at home, and choose fragrance-free products if your skin reacts. Turmeric can be part of your everyday wellness routine, but it's no substitute for allergy medication or an adrenaline injector.
Shop Organic Turmeric Capsules →
References
- Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA).
- ASCIA. Action Plan for Anaphylaxis.
- Healthdirect Australia. Allergies.
- Healthdirect Australia. Hay Fever.
About the Author: This article was written by Kirsty Strowger, Founder of Turmeric Australia and Nature's Help — two of Australia's most trusted natural health e-commerce brands. With over 20 years of experience in the health and wellness industry, Kirsty has become a recognised authority in natural health education, product development, and women's wellness. For more than a decade, Kirsty has been writing evidence-based articles that empower Australians to take charge of their health naturally. Her passion for creating high-quality, science-backed supplements has helped thousands of Australians improve their wellbeing — the natural way.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency — if you suspect anaphylaxis, use an adrenaline injector if available and call 000. Turmeric and curcumin are not a treatment for allergies or anaphylaxis and should never replace prescribed allergy medication or an adrenaline injector. Always consult your doctor for diagnosis and management of allergies.
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