Allergies are commonly a response of the person’s immune system to different kinds of outside substances detected by the body. They can be manifested in a variety of ways, and one person can be completely immune to something, while someone else might experience a severe allergic reaction to the same substance.
Substances that trigger allergies can come from different sources, starting with pollen, through various foods, to animal hair and dust. Levels of reaction can also differ; some people are just mildly allergic to certain substances, and others have to carry medication to mitigate symptoms of their allergic reaction.
Many people wonder about developing allergies later in life. So in today’s blog post, we will be elaborating more on the possibilities of getting allergies later in life and what that entails.
As different allergies have different manifestations and there are various ways to manage them, it is always important to consult a medical professional who can guide you through your condition and help with the treatment plan. Dr. Bassem Chahine is a certified professional with significant experience in allergy treatments and management. By visiting the Allergy and Immunology Center, you will get the opportunity to obtain proper advice and guidance to treat your allergies successfully.
What Causes Allergies?
When speaking about what causes allergies, it is crucial to clarify in what way allergies develop in the body. This is a two-phase process, and below we have explained in detail what each phase entails:
- In the first phase, the immune system responds to substances by creating antibodies named immunoglobulin E (IgE). Experts call this process sensitization or immunological memory; the created antibodies then inhabit the person’s airways, mouth, lungs, throat, gastrointestinal tract, and skin.
- After the body has again been exposed to the same allergens, it creates inflammatory substances and reacts so that the blood vessels dilate, mucus is formed, and people experience itchy skin and swelling of the airways. This reaction is created to stop the allergens from entering the body and prevent potential infections caused by the allergens.
After this, the response will be similar every time the allergens come in contact with the body. For mild types of allergies, the person might experience swelling around the eyes, a clogged nose, and an itchy throat. For severe types, symptoms might include diarrhea, hives, and issues with breathing.
Other reactions to allergens include coughing, sneezing, and congestion in the airways, and if the person suffers from asthma, the symptoms might increase. Every IgE antibody is created for a specific type of allergen so that people can be allergic to one kind of food but be completely fine with other ones.
When Do Allergies Develop?
As far as the allergy development process is concerned, people often ask if allergies are something you are born with or if people start developing allergies later in life. The answer is simple: both. An allergic reaction to a substance can develop at any point in a person’s life, but the changes grow from 30%-60% if a specific allergen triggers the person’s parents.
Allergies can manifest early in life, while you are a toddler, or you can experience a case of adult-onset allergies. Research shows that one in five children experience some type of allergy or asthma. By the time they are in their 30s, people become more tolerant of certain allergens, especially when it comes to foods such as dairy, eggs, wheat, etc.
That said, adults are prone to getting allergies later in life, and you can become allergic to something all of a sudden, despite being perfectly fine with that substance before. It is not completely understood why these allergies develop when people get older. Still, researchers tend to believe that cases of very severe reactions to allergens in childhood increase the chances for allergy development later in life.
Another probable answer is that children who experienced food or skin allergies can develop seasonal allergies, followed by sneezing, itchy and sore throat, airway congestions, etc., as they age. Also, symptoms of certain allergies fade with time, but they might return when the person is older due to an allergy trigger. These triggers include exposure to the allergen while sick, moving to a place containing a new set of allergens, getting a pet for the first time, etc.
Below we have created a list of the most common adult allergies so that you can familiarize yourself with them and some potential allergy management options.
- Seasonal allergies: These are the most common type of adult-onset allergies, and they include pollen and other different plant allergens, which are usually most present during fall or spring.
- Allergies to pets: Exposure to animal dander, skin flakes, and chemicals from their urine and saliva can be problematic for some people and cause allergic reactions.
- Food allergies: This type of allergy in adults is also pretty common, and 11% of adults in the US suffer from some kind of food allergy. These include different fish, peanuts, nuts, fruits, vegetables, etc. Food allergies are also very typical in childhood, but the symptoms get less severe as kids grow older.
When it comes to the treatment of allergies and their management, there are different options doctors recommend, depending on the severity of symptoms, the age of the patient, and the type of allergen.
Some possible treatments include:
- Antihistamines are efficient in the reduction of symptoms, as well as in their control.
- Testing yourself to establish the specific allergens you react to using a skin-prick test is always recommended because you cannot control your allergies before knowing what exactly triggers you.
- Immunotherapy i.e. allergy shots is advised in order to boost your immunity and stop allergic reactions.
- EpiPen, a medicine used in severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), helps increase blood pressure and clear congested airways.
- Talking about your allergies and symptoms, especially if they are severe and can endanger your life, so people know how to react if an allergic reaction occurs.
When Should I See a Doctor?
The first sign you should schedule a doctor’s appointment is the appearance of certain symptoms which disrupt your daily routine and do not allow you to function normally. These symptoms can include:
- Unusual swelling of the tongue
- Unusual swelling of the throat
- Dizziness
- The appearance of rashes and hives on the body
- Severe cramping
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Disorientation and confusion
- Fever
- Seizures
- Losing consciousness
- Low blood pressure and wheezing
- Anaphylaxis
Consult Our Clinic
All possible allergic reactions and symptoms can be managed and treated if they are detected on time. So, call us! Our friendly staff is experienced in dealing with a variety of allergic triggers and responses, so make sure you schedule a consultation with our doctors and ensure that your allergies do not take over your life.