Allergies represent an overreaction by the immune system, which mistakenly identifies a typically harmless substance, known as an allergen, as a threat. This immune response involves the production of specific antibodies, primarily Immunoglobulin E (IgE), which trigger the release of inflammatory chemicals like histamine. Many people assume their allergies are static, but the answer to whether they can get worse over time is definitively yes. These hypersensitivities are dynamic and can change in frequency, severity, or type across a person’s lifetime due to a combination of internal and external factors.
The Reality of Allergy Progression
The development of allergies often follows a recognizable pattern of progression, which researchers term the Allergic March. This sequence typically begins in infancy with atopic dermatitis (eczema), often within the first six months of life. The compromised skin barrier in eczema allows allergens to penetrate the skin more easily, leading to sensitization to substances like certain foods.
This early sensitization often progresses to food allergies within the first few years of life, and later to respiratory conditions like allergic rhinitis and asthma during childhood or adolescence. Not every child follows this exact path, but those who experience eczema early are at a much higher risk of developing other allergic conditions later on. Allergies are not limited to childhood; many adults experience adult-onset allergies to substances they have tolerated for decades. Existing allergies can also intensify suddenly, even after years of stability, due to shifts in immune tolerance and repeated exposure.
Internal Factors That Increase Allergy Severity
The immune system’s memory is a primary internal factor contributing to increased allergy severity. When the body first encounters an allergen, it undergoes sensitization, producing allergen-specific IgE antibodies that attach to mast cells. Repeated exposure can lower the reaction threshold over time, meaning a smaller amount of the allergen triggers a significant release of histamine and inflammatory mediators.
Fluctuations in hormone levels can also substantially alter allergic responses, particularly in women. Estrogen, for instance, can increase histamine production, which may explain why some women notice heightened allergy symptoms during their menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or around menopause. Changes in hormone balance, such as a deficiency in the anti-inflammatory hormone progesterone, can contribute to a more reactive immune state.
Co-existing health conditions can also prime the body for a more severe allergic reaction. Conditions that cause chronic inflammation, such as autoimmune disorders, can lead to heightened immune sensitivity. The general aging of the immune system, sometimes called immunosenescence, can shift immune responses, making older adults more susceptible to developing new allergies or experiencing more pronounced symptoms.
External Triggers Leading to New Sensitivities
Environmental shifts often introduce the immune system to novel proteins, leading to the development of new sensitivities. Geographic relocation is a common trigger, as moving exposes a person to different local flora, such as unique species of pollen, grasses, or molds. The immune system may react to these unfamiliar allergens, resulting in the sudden onset of seasonal allergies.
The body can also develop new sensitivities through cross-reactivity. This occurs when the immune system mistakes a new protein for an existing allergen because the two substances share similar molecular structures. A common example is Pollen-Food Allergy Syndrome, where people allergic to certain tree pollens may react to specific raw fruits and vegetables, such as a birch pollen allergy leading to a reaction after eating an apple.
Wider environmental changes, including air quality and climate shifts, further contribute to worsening symptoms. Air pollution and microscopic particulate matter can increase the body’s sensitivity to inhaled allergens. Climate change is leading to longer growing seasons, which results in extended periods of high pollen counts and greater overall exposure for sensitized individuals.
Taking Action Against Worsening Symptoms
When allergy symptoms worsen or new ones appear, the first step is to seek a professional re-evaluation from an allergist. Diagnostic tools like skin prick testing or specific IgE blood tests can accurately identify the substances the immune system is reacting to. This re-testing is important because a change in symptoms often indicates a new or intensified sensitization requiring an updated management plan.
Treatment typically involves adjusting medication to better control increased symptom severity, which may include prescription nasal steroid sprays or stronger antihistamines. For long-term modification of the immune response, many people consider allergen immunotherapy, delivered through shots or sublingual tablets. Immunotherapy works by gradually introducing small, increasing doses of the allergen to desensitize the immune system, leading to lasting relief and potentially preventing the development of additional allergies.
In addition to medical intervention, simple lifestyle adjustments can mitigate exposure to triggers. Using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in the home can reduce airborne allergen levels, especially in bedrooms. Monitoring local pollen counts and keeping windows closed during peak hours helps minimize the daily burden on the immune system.