welche allergien gibt es — what are common causes?

Common allergy triggers are diverse and depend on individual sensitization. Well-established causes include inhalant allergens: pollen (hay fever), dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander. Food allergies are also frequent, especially to cow's milk, hen's egg, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish. Contact allergies (e.g., nickel, fragrances) and insect venom allergies (bee, wasp) are common. Importantly, many self-reported allergies are actually intolerances (e.g., lactose intolerance) or irritant reactions without immune involvement. Evidence for specific triggers is strong (e.g., pollen, peanut), but individual responses vary. Genetic tests can indicate predispositions but cannot predict allergies reliably. For suspected allergy, specialist testing (skin prick test, specific IgE) remains the gold standard. Consumer DNA tests for allergies have limited predictive value and should not replace medical diagnosis.