Many people associate allergies with childhood, believing that if they haven’t developed them by adulthood, they are immune. However, new allergies can emerge unexpectedly at any age, a phenomenon known as adult-onset allergies.
The Possibility of Adult-Onset Allergies
Adult-onset allergies can affect individuals who have never experienced allergic reactions before. While allergies commonly appear in younger years, new sensitivities can emerge even in one’s 20s, 30s, or much later. For instance, a 2019 study in the United States found that approximately 10.8% of adults had a food allergy, with nearly half of these cases developing in adulthood.
Factors Contributing to New Allergies in Adulthood
Several factors contribute to new allergies in adulthood. The immune system changes with age, potentially becoming more responsive or overactive to previously tolerated substances.
New environmental exposures often play a role in triggering adult-onset allergies. Moving to a different geographic region, for example, can expose an individual to unfamiliar types of pollen or mold spores. Similarly, getting a new pet or starting a job that involves new airborne particles can introduce novel allergens to the immune system. Repeated exposure to certain substances over time can also push the immune system past a threshold, leading to a reaction.
Hormonal shifts can also influence the immune response and contribute to new allergies, particularly in women. Changes during pregnancy or menopause, where hormone levels fluctuate, may heighten sensitivity to allergens. Additionally, genetics can predispose someone to developing allergies, even if the reaction doesn’t manifest until later in life. An individual might carry genes that make them more susceptible, requiring multiple exposures to an allergen before a reaction occurs.
The process begins with “sensitization,” where the immune system first identifies a harmless substance as a threat. During this initial exposure, the body produces specific antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE). Subsequent exposures to the same allergen then trigger an allergic reaction, as the IgE antibodies signal the release of inflammatory chemicals like histamine.
Recognizing Common Adult Allergies
Adult-onset allergies can manifest in various forms, often mimicking symptoms of other common illnesses. Environmental allergies, such as those to pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold spores, commonly develop. Symptoms for these airborne allergens frequently include sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, itchy and watery eyes, coughing, and sometimes fatigue.
Food allergies can also appear in adulthood, with common triggers differing from those typically seen in childhood. Shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, and fish are among the most frequent adult-onset food allergens. Reactions can vary from tingling in the mouth, hives, and stomach cramps to more severe responses like difficulty breathing or swelling of the face and throat. Oral allergy syndrome, a specific type of food allergy linked to pollen, can cause itching or swelling of the mouth after eating certain raw fruits or vegetables.
Other allergies that can emerge include drug allergies, often to antibiotics or pain relievers, and even insect sting allergies. Latex sensitivity, which can develop with increased exposure, is also observed. Identifying these new symptoms is an important step towards seeking appropriate medical guidance.
Diagnosis and Management of Adult-Onset Allergies
If new or persistent symptoms suggest an allergy, consulting a healthcare professional is a practical first step. A doctor can help determine if symptoms are indeed allergy-related or indicative of another condition. Common diagnostic methods include skin prick tests, where small amounts of allergens are introduced to the skin, and blood tests, which measure specific IgE antibodies.
Management strategies for adult-onset allergies typically involve a multi-pronged approach. Avoiding known triggers is a fundamental component, such as keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons or using air purifiers for indoor allergens. Over-the-counter medications can provide relief for many symptoms. These include antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec) or loratadine (Claritin), which reduce itching, sneezing, and runny nose. Nasal sprays, such as corticosteroid sprays, can help reduce nasal inflammation and congestion. Decongestants and eye drops are also available to address specific symptoms.
For more persistent or severe allergies, prescription medications may be necessary, and an allergist can offer specialized treatments. Immunotherapy, which involves allergy shots or sublingual tablets, can help desensitize the immune system over time, reducing the severity of reactions. In cases of severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, an epinephrine auto-injector might be prescribed. Carrying this device and understanding its use is important for emergency preparedness.