Some people live for years unaffected by allergies or common allergy triggers before they suddenly begin experiencing allergy symptoms. Adult-onset allergies can arise at any point in a person’s life, but most patients who develop allergies in adulthood start experiencing symptoms in their 20s or 30s. For those who have never dealt with allergies before, it can be tricky to identify triggers or understand why you are experiencing symptoms all of a sudden.
Causes of Adult-Onset Allergies: Why Am I Developing Allergies at My Age?
It can be difficult to determine why a patient develops allergies at some point in their adulthood. And while adults can develop allergies to nearly any trigger, common allergens that tend to affect those with adult-onset allergies include:
- Pollen
- Dust mites
- Mold spores
- Pet dander
- Certain foods
- Medications
- Insect venom
The exact cause can be unknown, but there are a few theories as to why people develop adult-onset allergies:
Aging
As we get older, all the components of our bodies develop and change. Our immune systems are no different. Age-related changes to the immune system can cause some people to begin experiencing allergies for the first time in their lives as the system becomes hyper-responsive to particular triggers.
Increased Exposure to Airborne Pollutants
Some people who grow up without a lot of exposure to airborne pollutants can begin experiencing hay fever or allergic rhinitis once they increase their exposure to the triggers. Allergies are a common phenomenon many adults experience after they move to a new region. The body can become accustomed to living in particular environments. Exposure to a new environment with different allergens or possibly higher concentrations of allergens can result in the development of adult-onset allergies.
Another scenario is someone living with an indoor pet for the first time. New and increased exposure to pet dander can cause someone to suffer allergy symptoms that accompany the environmental change.
Change in Diet
Similar to exposure to a new environment, people who change their diet or begin eating foods they are not accustomed to eating can end up experiencing a food allergy. For example, let’s say a person spent the majority of their childhood and teen years avoiding dairy. In their adulthood, they are interested in trying more dairy products. However, their immune system is not too accustomed to the proteins in dairy. As a result, it may be hypersensitive to dairy proteins, causing the person to experience allergic reactions whenever they consume dairy products.
The top nine allergens that affect food allergy patients include eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, sesame, shellfish, soybeans, tree nuts, and wheat.
Pregnancy
Some women report having allergies for the first time during and shortly after pregnancy. Studies have shown that the change in hormone levels during pregnancy can be responsible for the development of adult-onset allergies. The majority of women report their allergy symptoms reduced or went away entirely at some point following birth.
Family History
Some people are hereditarily predisposed to developing allergies in their adult years. In many cases, those who experience adult-onset allergies had parents or other family members who experienced the same thing when they reached adulthood.
Symptoms of Adult-Onset Allergies
The allergy symptoms you can experience in adulthood depend on the type of allergy or allergies you eventually develop. Allergy types and their common symptoms include:
Airborne Allergies
Triggers like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, and other allergens that reach you through the air can cause allergic rhinitis or hay fever, resulting in symptoms like:
- Congestion
- Excessive coughing and sneezing
- Facial puffiness
- Scratchy throat
- Sinus irritation
- Watery eyes
Food Allergies
Developing an allergy to a type of food or multiple foods as an adult can lead to allergy symptoms like:
- Narrowed airways
- Rapid heart rate
- Facial swelling
- Lip, mouth, and tongue tingling
- Wheezing
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting
Food allergies are the most common type of allergy that leads to anaphylaxis, so be aware of new food allergy symptoms and seek medical attention immediately if your allergies reach anaphylactic levels.
Skin Allergies
If you begin experiencing skin allergies as an adult, you’ll likely experience symptoms on the surface of your skin, like:
- Blisters
- Bumps
- Cracked skin
- Itching and irritation
- Rash development
- Swelling
Treatment for Adult-Onset Allergies
Treatment and management for your adult-onset allergies will depend on the type of allergy you develop and its severity. Common ways to treat an allergy flare-up can include:
For Airborne Allergies
- Antihistamines
- Nasal irrigation
- Decongestants
- Eye drops
- Corticosteroids
- Immunotherapy
For Food Allergies
- Antihistamines
- Epinephrine*
*Epinephrine injections should only be applied in cases of severe allergic reactions and should not replace medical care. If you use an EpiPen on yourself or a loved one, still seek medical attention ASAP.
For Skin Allergies
- Cool compresses
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Antihistamines
- Prescription ointments
If you believe you are now dealing with adult-onset allergies after a lifetime of being allergy-free, talk to Langford Allergy.
Dr. Langford, Dr. Mathew, and our team of allergy specialists offer specialized care and treatment to all allergy patients, including those who develop an allergy well into adulthood. We create individualized and effective treatment and management plans that promote relief at any stage of life.
Schedule an allergy appointment today: 478-787-4728
Langford Allergy delivers allergy, asthma, and immunodeficiency care to patients throughout Middle Georgia, including:
- Bonaire, GA
- Byron, GA
- Forsyth, GA
- Fort Valley, GA
- Gray, GA
- Macon, GA
- Milledgeville, GA
- Perry, GA
- Warner Robins, GA
And other surrounding areas.
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