For Pete's Sake Trivia Quiz

Answer: cockroaches

Cockroach saliva is particularly allergenic although proteins found in the body and droppings of cockroaches are also allergenic. Research indicates a strong connection between the presence of cockroaches and the severity of asthma symptoms for those allergic to cockroaches.

Answer: Mold spores die quickly if environmental conditions for growth are not right.

Those who are allergic to mold are affected by inhaling or touching mold spores or by coming in contact with mold. The hearty nature of mold spores compounds the difficulty of dealing with allergies to them because they can live even in conditions in which mold itself cannot survive.

There are both indoor and outdoor molds. Molds that grow indoors do not have a seasonal pattern so they may be present throughout the year. Outdoor molds are seasonal and first appear in the spring and will continue to be present until the first frost occurs.

Answer: the immune system

The immune system of the human body reacts inappropriately to the presence of a substance that it considers threatening. The body's antibodies react to the allergens and chemical substances are released. Histamine is a common chemical that is released in this type of situation. Foods are often the cause of this allergic reaction; common foods that cause this are walnuts, cashews, peanuts, shellfish, and eggs. Penicillin, bee and wasp stings can also lead to such an allergic reaction.

Answer: No

Cigarette smoke is not technically considered an allergen, but it is definitely an irritant to many people's respiratory systems. Its presence can cause symptoms similar to an allergic reaction such as coughing, sneezing and watery eyes.

Answer: They live in mattresses, bedding and carpets in many homes.

Dust mites actually eat dead skin cells of humans and animals which are found in dust and these microscopic pests prefer warm humid environments. About 20 million Americans are allergic to dust mites. Avoiding exposure to dust is an important part of dealing with this allergy.

Answer: dog fur

Dog hair may carry other allergy producing substances such as pollen and dust, but the hair itself does not contain the allergen proteins responsible for allergic symptoms.

Answer: September

If one is outdoors during the ragweed season of August to November it can be difficult to avoid, but the peak times are from 5 to 10 a.m. Pollen counts are most high on dry, hot and windy days so those who suffer from this irritant should try to do outdoor activities on other days if possible.

Answer: apple, cherry and dogwood

Pollen from trees does cause allergies in many people. The pollen is distributed by the wind so close proximity to trees is not necessary, although the closer one is to the source of the pollen the more difficult it is for allergy sufferers. Flowering trees often have bigger, sticker pollen which is not as easily scattered and distributed so those trees are not as often responsible for allergies.

Answer: The same fruits, vegetables and nuts trigger a reaction regardless of the pollen type one is allergic to.

Since fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet those with food-pollen allergy syndrome should consume more cooked vegetables during allergy season rather than avoiding them altogether. Changing the form in which fruits are consumed may help as well, for example drinking orange juice rather than eating oranges.

Some teas may trigger a reaction to those allergic to weed pollens.

Answer: latex gloves

Some who suffer from latex allergies can have life-threatening symptoms although this is rare. Any medical supplies or devices which contain latex can cause an allergic reaction to those who have a latex allergy and some hospitals are now using synthetic products instead. Those exposed to latex for long periods seem most susceptible to developing an allergy to latex.