Allergens A–Z
Here you will find every allergen included in our allergy tests: what it is, the symptoms it causes, what it cross-reacts with and how to test for it.
Tree pollen
In much of Europe, hazel and alder flower from late winter, and birch in April–May. Olive and cypress grow mainly around the Mediterranean, and plane is a common street tree in cities in southern and central Europe.
Grass pollen
In much of Europe, grasses flower from May to August, peaking in early summer; further south the season starts earlier. Most grasses cross-react with each other, so timothy grass is often enough to show grass pollen allergy.
Weed pollen
Mugwort flowers in July–August. Ragweed and wall pellitory are more common further south in Europe, but ragweed pollen can be carried long distances by the wind in late summer.
Furry animals
The allergens from cats and dogs are found in dander and saliva. They are light and sticky and travel on clothing to schools, workplaces and public transport.
House dust mites and cockroaches
House dust mites live in beds and textiles and cause symptoms all year round, often worst at night and in the morning. Cockroaches are uncommon in cooler countries but common in warmer ones.
Moulds
Mould spores are found both outdoors, where levels are highest from late summer into autumn, and indoors in damp environments.
Milk and egg
Milk and egg allergies are the most common food allergies in young children. Many children outgrow them during their preschool and school years.
Nuts, seeds and legumes
Peanut, hazelnut, sesame, soy and mustard are among the 14 allergens that must always be declared on the ingredients list. In adults with birch allergy, reactions are often due to cross-reactivity.
Fish and shellfish
Fish and shellfish allergies often last a lifetime. People who react to one type of fish often react to several, because the most important proteins are similar.
Fruit and vegetables
An itchy mouth from raw fruit and vegetables is usually due to cross-reactivity with pollen. Heating often destroys the sensitive proteins, but not all of them.
Wheat and gluten
Wheat allergy is an IgE allergy and not the same as coeliac disease. Gliadin and omega-5-gliadin help to distinguish a true wheat allergy from cross-reactivity with grass pollen.
Other allergens
Latex is found in gloves, balloons and condoms. Alpha-gal can cause delayed reactions to red meat and is linked to tick bites.
No allergen matches your search. Try another name or an allergen code.
Not sure what you react to?
Take our broad allergy test at home with a finger-prick sample. It covers around 300 allergens.
