Adult-Onset Allergies: Why You're Sneezing Now

Why Do I Have Allergies Now When I Didn't Before?

Developing allergies as an adult when you didn't have them as a child is a common phenomenon. It's often due to increased exposure to allergens, changes in your immune system, or environmental factors such as climate change.

Types of Allergies

There are various types of allergies that can occur in adults. Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever, are triggered by pollen from trees, grass, and weeds. On the other hand, perennial allergies occur year-round and are typically caused by dust mites, pet dander, and mold. Food allergies can also develop in adulthood, with common triggers including shellfish, peanuts, and tree nuts.

Who Gets Allergies?

Allergies can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity. However, they are more likely to occur in individuals with a family history of allergies or asthma. Changes in your environment, such as moving to a new location with different allergens, can also trigger the onset of allergies. Additionally, age-related changes in the immune system can make allergies more likely as you get older.

Is My Sneezing Due to Seasonal Allergies or Something Else?

Sneezing can often be a sign of an allergic reaction, especially if it's accompanied by other symptoms like a runny nose or itchy eyes. However, it can also be caused by other factors, such as a cold, flu, or irritants in the environment.

Seasonal Allergies

Sneezing can be a symptom of seasonal allergies, triggered by pollen from trees, grass, and weeds. These allergies can get worse due to climate change leading to earlier, longer pollen seasons, and increased pollen counts. Symptoms can also worsen at night, due to prolonged exposure to allergens or increased awareness of symptoms.

Other Causes of Sneezing

While allergies are a common cause of sneezing, they are not the only reason. Sneezing can also be a symptom of a common cold or flu, or a reaction to non-allergic triggers like smoke, perfume, or changes in temperature. Prolonged sneezing, however, can indicate chronic allergies, in which case expert consultation is advised for effective long-term solutions like allergen-specific immunotherapy.

How Are Seasonal and Environmental Allergies Diagnosed and Treated?

Seasonal and environmental allergies are diagnosed by performing tests that expose the body to potential allergens. Treatments can range from medications to lifestyle changes, with some even targeting the root causes of allergies.

Diagnosis Methods

Doctors typically diagnose allergies through skin tests, blood tests, or a detailed analysis of symptoms and medical history. Skin tests involve exposing the skin to potential allergens and observing the reaction, while blood tests measure the immune system's response to specific allergens.

Treatment Options

Treatment for seasonal and environmental allergies can involve medications, lifestyle changes, and specific therapies. Common medications include antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroids, which alleviate symptoms by blocking the allergic reaction. Lifestyle changes can include avoiding allergens, using air purifiers, or adjusting the diet.

Sublingual Immunotherapy

One of the more targeted treatment options is allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), or sublingual immunotherapy. This involves placing a tablet under the tongue that contains a small amount of the allergen. Over time, this can help the immune system become less sensitive to the allergen, addressing the root cause of the allergy. According to experts, AIT can be a long-term solution for chronic allergies. It's a recommended treatment for those with severe symptoms or those who can't avoid their allergen triggers.

Can't Eat Your Favorite Food? Could It Be a Food Allergy?

If you're experiencing discomfort or adverse reactions after eating certain foods, it could be a food allergy. Food allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly targets a harmless food protein as a threat.

Symptoms of Food Allergies

Food allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe, and they usually occur within a few minutes to an hour after consuming the allergenic food. Mild symptoms include itching, hives, and stomach cramps. Severe symptoms, known as anaphylaxis, can lead to difficulty breathing, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. It's critical to seek immediate medical attention if you're experiencing severe symptoms.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Food Allergies

To diagnose a food allergy, doctors will often perform a skin test or blood test, similar to how environmental allergies are diagnosed. Additionally, they may recommend an elimination diet or an oral food challenge to identify the exact food causing the allergy.

Treatment for food allergies mainly involves avoiding the allergenic food. However, accidental exposure can be treated with medications like antihistamines for mild reactions, and epinephrine for severe reactions. It's important to note that these medications can only manage the symptoms and not cure the allergy. For those with severe food allergies, carrying an epinephrine auto-injector can be a lifesaver.

Living with a food allergy can be challenging, but with the right diagnosis, treatment, and precautions, it's manageable. Being aware of your triggers and how your body reacts can greatly reduce the risk of severe reactions and improve your quality of life. It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional if you suspect you have a food allergy.

How Can I Prevent Allergies?

Preventing allergies largely depends on knowing what triggers your allergic reactions and taking steps to avoid those triggers. While it's not always possible to completely avoid allergens, there are strategies you can employ to reduce your exposure and manage symptoms.

Avoiding Allergen Exposure

Firstly, limit your exposure to allergens by staying indoors on high pollen count days or during certain times when allergies tend to worsen. Regular cleaning can also help reduce indoor allergens like dust mites and pet dander. For individuals allergic to certain foods, careful reading of food labels can prevent accidental consumption.

Allergy Medication and Immunotherapy

Over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription allergy medications can be used to control symptoms. These include antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroids. However, these medications only treat symptoms, not the underlying allergy.

For long-term relief, allergy immunotherapy, which involves regular injections or under-the-tongue tablets of small doses of allergens, may help your immune system become less reactive to allergens over time.

Healthy Lifestyle and Environment

A healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can boost your immune system and help you better cope with allergies. Additionally, improving indoor air quality with air purifiers or dehumidifiers can also help reduce allergen levels in your environment.

Remember, each person's allergy situation is unique, and what works well for one person may not work as well for another. It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional to devise a personalized allergy prevention and management plan.

Live Allergy-Free with Wyndly

If you want long-term relief from your allergies, Wyndly can help. Our doctors will help you identify your allergy triggers and create a personalized treatment plan to get you the lifelong relief you deserve. Start by taking our quick online allergy assessment today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you suddenly become allergic to something you weren't before?

Yes, it's possible to suddenly develop an allergy to something you weren't allergic to before. Allergies can emerge at any age and are typically triggered when your immune system overreacts to a substance you've been exposed to multiple times previously.

Do you get new allergies as you get older?

Yes, it's possible to develop new allergies at any age, including during your adult years. This happens when the immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance as a threat and reacts to it. Factors like changes in environment or diet can trigger new allergies.

Why do I have seasonal allergies now when I didn't before?

Seasonal allergies can develop at any age due to changes in your immune system's response to allergens. Factors like moving to a new environment, stress, hormones, or changes in your immune system can trigger the onset of seasonal allergies even if you didn't have them before.

Why do I suddenly have allergy symptoms?

Sudden allergy symptoms can occur due to a new exposure to specific allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, or certain foods. Changes in your environment, moving to a new location, or even aging can also trigger the onset of allergic reactions.

Why do my allergies suddenly act up?

Allergies can suddenly act up due to exposure to allergens like pollen, dust, mold, or pet dander. Changes in weather, moving to a new environment, or increased stress levels can also trigger allergies. In some cases, individuals develop allergies later in life due to genetic factors.

Why have I developed allergies all of a sudden?

Sudden development of allergies can occur due to an increase in exposure to an allergen or changes in your immune system. Factors such as moving to a new environment, hormonal changes, or age can also trigger the onset of allergies. It's important to consult a healthcare provider for precise diagnosis.