As careful as you might be about your allergies, contact with allergens can still be hard to avoid. Allergens can be present in several food items that you might not even suspect. Fish sauce, for instance, is used in many Asian dishes. It can contain shellfish, which poses serious problems for individuals with a shellfish allergy. Reactions ranging from gastrointestinal distress to breathing difficulties and even anaphylaxis may result. If you or a child is having allergic reactions without an obvious cause, a hidden allergen may be to blame. These four ingredients are the most common culprits. 

Peanuts 

 Peanuts are one of the top five allergens in the United States. The others are eggs, dairy, wheat, and soy. A peanut allergy, a pediatric immunologist Las Vegas will tell you, is especially common among children. A child may also have another nut allergy in conjunction with a peanut allergy. The bad news for individuals with this allergy is that peanuts and peanut by-products are quite prevalent. You’ll find peanuts in seemingly unlikely sources such as marzipan, nougat, and salad dressings. Therefore, it’s essential to read the list of ingredients before purchasing (and consuming) a product. 

Eggs 

 Eggs are another common allergen. Unfortunately, they also appear in many places, including many baked goods. Egg whites, also called “egg protein,” are responsible for the majority of egg allergies. Egg protein can exist in many places. This includes meringues and mayonnaise, along with baked goods such as brownies, muffins, and cookies. Egg whites can also appear in vaccines. If you are planning to get a vaccination, it’s essential to let your health care provider know if you have an allergy to eggs beforehand. 

Dairy 

 Dairy is another common allergen that appears in many sources. Fortunately, there are many dairy alternatives available on the market today for milk, yogurt, and even ice cream. However, dairy can still lurk in other everyday products such as ghee, whey, custard, coffee creamers, and gravy. Ironically, dairy can also appear in peanut butter! Casein, which is a dairy by-product, is an additive to chewing gum, breath mints, and canned fish. 

Wheat 

 As a pediatric immunologist Las Vegas will tell you, wheat is another common allergen that may be difficult to avoid. A wheat allergy is different from a gluten allergy, even though the two are closely related. Vegetable broth, tofu, canned soup, and miso are common and surprising sources of wheat. Wheat may also appear in peanut butter. 

 Avoiding allergens can be surprisingly tricky. Reading food labels or inquiring about ingredients when you’re dining out is a helpful start. You can also visit an allergist, such as Dr. Tottori, for allergy testing to confirm an allergy, get treatments, and find suitable alternatives. If you need help getting your allergies or asthma under control, call us today at (702) 240 4233 or visit our website for relief!