Allergies occur when the body’s immune system overreacts to substances that are harmless. These substances, known as allergens, can include pollen, dust mites, pet dander, certain foods, or medications. New allergies can develop at any age, including adulthood.
How Allergies Can Develop in Adulthood
The immune system’s role in allergy development involves a process called sensitization. During initial exposure to an allergen, the body mistakenly identifies the harmless substance as dangerous and produces specific antibodies, primarily immunoglobulin E (IgE). These IgE antibodies then attach to certain immune cells, preparing the body for a future reaction.
Upon subsequent exposure to the same allergen, these pre-armed immune cells release chemicals, such as histamine, which trigger the symptoms of an allergic reaction. This process highlights the immune system’s adaptable nature, allowing it to react to something it previously tolerated.
Factors That Contribute to Adult-Onset Allergies
Several factors can influence the development of new allergies later in life. Moving to a new geographic area can expose an individual to different types of pollen, plants, or environmental allergens. Increased exposure to airborne pollutants or new pets can also trigger allergic responses. Changes in diet, such as incorporating new foods, may lead to new food allergies.
Hormonal shifts, such as those experienced during pregnancy or menopause, can influence immune function and sensitivity, potentially contributing to allergy onset. Significant illnesses or periods of physical or emotional stress can also alter the immune system’s response, making it more susceptible to developing allergies. Genetics also play a role, as a family history of allergies can increase the likelihood of developing them at any point in life.
Recognizing New Allergies in Adults
Symptoms of adult-onset allergies can vary widely depending on the allergen and how exposure occurs. Common respiratory symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, and a tickly throat or cough, often mimicking a common cold. Skin reactions like hives, itchy rashes, or eczema can also indicate an allergic response, particularly if they appear after contact with certain substances or foods.
Food allergies in adults can manifest with symptoms such as stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue. Sometimes, symptoms like fatigue or brain fog may accompany other allergic reactions. Observing patterns related to exposure, such as symptoms worsening after eating a specific food, being around animals, or during certain seasons, can be helpful in identifying potential allergens.
Steps for Managing Adult Allergies
If new allergy symptoms emerge, consulting a healthcare professional is an important first step for proper diagnosis. A doctor will take a detailed medical history, perform a physical examination, and may recommend allergy testing. Common diagnostic tests include skin prick tests, where small amounts of allergens are applied to the skin to observe reactions, and blood tests that measure specific IgE antibodies in response to allergens. For suspected food allergies, an elimination diet might be suggested to identify triggers.
Once an allergy is diagnosed, management strategies often involve avoiding known allergens. For environmental allergies, this might mean keeping windows closed during high pollen counts or using air purifiers. Symptom relief can be achieved with over-the-counter medications like antihistamines, which block histamine to reduce itching, sneezing, and runny nose, or nasal corticosteroids for congestion. Immunotherapy, such as allergy shots or sublingual tablets, offers a long-term treatment option by gradually desensitizing the immune system to specific allergens over several years. Self-diagnosis and treatment can be risky, especially with potential food allergies, where severe reactions like anaphylaxis require immediate medical attention and often an epinephrine auto-injector.