Can allergies develop over the course of one's life?
April 24, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Petra Netz
Dear allergist,
My name is Maria Müller and I am reaching out to you with a question that has been troubling me for some time. In recent years, I have noticed that I suddenly have allergic reactions to certain foods and pollen, even though I never had any problems with them before. Is it possible to develop allergies later in life?
I am now in my 40s and have never had to deal with allergies before. However, suddenly I experience strong skin rashes and itching after consuming certain foods such as nuts or kiwi. Also, during walks in the spring, I suddenly have sneezing fits and watery eyes in response to certain pollens. These symptoms are very burdensome for me and increasingly affect my daily life.
I am worried that my allergies could worsen or that additional allergies could develop. Therefore, I would like to know if it is possible to develop allergies later in life and what possible causes could be responsible. Are there possible solutions to alleviate or even eliminate my symptoms?
I would greatly appreciate your expert assessment and any treatment recommendations. Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Maria Müller
Dear Mrs. Müller,
Thank you for your inquiry and your trust in my expertise as an allergist. It is indeed possible to develop allergies later in life, even if you have never had problems with them before. This phenomenon is called acquired allergy and can be triggered by various causes.
One of the most common causes for the sudden onset of allergies in adulthood is a genetic predisposition. If there are already allergies in your family, your risk of developing allergic reactions during your life is also increased. In addition, environmental factors such as pollution, dietary habits, stress, and hormonal changes can also contribute to the immune system suddenly becoming more sensitive to certain allergens.
The symptoms you describe, such as skin rashes, itching, sneezing, and watery eyes, are typical signs of an allergic reaction. To determine which allergens you react to, it is advisable to undergo an allergy test. This can be done either through a skin test or a blood test, and it will show which allergens your immune system is sensitized to.
After the diagnosis, various treatment options can be considered to alleviate or eliminate your symptoms. One of the most effective measures is allergen avoidance, meaning avoiding the substances that trigger your allergies. For food allergies, this means avoiding the specific foods, while for pollen allergies, avoiding certain plant pollens should be considered.
In addition, antiallergic medications such as antihistamines or corticosteroids can be used to alleviate acute symptoms. In severe cases, a specific immunotherapy (hyposensitization) may be considered, where the immune system is slowly accustomed to the allergen to reduce reactions.
It is important to work with a specialist in allergology to develop an individualized therapy tailored to your specific needs. Do not hesitate to make an appointment with an allergist near you to discuss your symptoms and receive appropriate treatment.
I hope that my explanations have been helpful to you and I am available for any further questions.
Sincerely,
Petra Netz, Specialist in Allergology
