Allergy triggers (allergens)

Types of allergens

Allergies can be triggered by:

  • foods
  • airborne substances like pollen
  • medicines
  • insect bites and stings
  • chemicals and substances like latex.

Children with one allergy are more likely to develop others due to cross-reactivity. This can happen in several ways:

  • within allergen groups – a child with a peanut allergy may also react to soy or legumes
  • between pollen and food – children with hay fever may become sensitive to certain fruits, vegetables, or nuts
  • latex and food – children with a latex allergy may react to foods like kiwi, avocado, and bananas.

Did you know?

In Australia, 90% of food allergies are caused by just ten common allergens. 

Click the image below to learn more about each one. 

Milk (dairy)
Egg
Picture of peanuts with a shell, without a shell and peanut butter spread
Picture of a raw fish
Picture of tree nuts, including cashew and almond nuts

 

 

 

Picture of crustacea like a lobster or prawn

Picture of sesame seeds, white and black, and sesame oil

Picture of molluscs like octopus and mussel

Picture of wheat products like bread, pasta and cereal

 

 

Picture of soy green beans, tofu and soy sauce

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allergies to fruits and vegetables are relatively rare. 

                             For more information, refer to the Fruit and vegetable allergy factsheet.