Can allergies suddenly occur even though I didn't have them before?
November 15, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Petra Netz
Dear Doctor,
my name is Rolf Stamm and I have a question regarding allergology. In the past few weeks, I have noticed that I suddenly seem to be allergic to certain foods and environmental factors, even though I have tolerated them without any problems in the past. I am concerned because I have never had allergies before and I do not know why they are suddenly appearing now.
For example, I have noticed that after consuming peanuts or coming into contact with certain pollens, I experience symptoms such as rash, itching, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms are new to me and occur repeatedly when I come into contact with the allergens. I am worried that my allergies could worsen and I wonder if it is possible for allergies to suddenly appear, even though I did not have them before.
I would like to know what possible reasons could be for the sudden onset of allergies and what tests or examinations I should undergo to determine the exact cause of my allergies. Are there treatment options to alleviate my symptoms or to treat the allergies long-term? I am grateful for any information and help you can provide on this topic.
Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
Rolf Stamm
Dear Mr. Stamm,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as an allergist. It is understandable that you are concerned about the sudden onset of allergy symptoms, even though you have not had any problems with specific foods or environmental factors in the past. Allergies can indeed develop at any time in life, even if there were no previous signs of them. There are various reasons why allergies can suddenly arise.
One possible reason for the sudden onset of allergies is a genetic predisposition. If allergies already run in your family, your risk of developing allergic reactions throughout your life also increases. Environmental factors, such as increased exposure to allergens or pollutants, can also lead to the immune system becoming more sensitive to certain substances and triggering allergies.
To find out the exact cause of your allergy symptoms, I recommend that you undergo an allergy test. Various methods, such as skin tests or blood tests, can be used to determine which allergens your body is reacting to. Once the exact allergy triggers have been identified, an individualized treatment strategy can be developed.
The treatment of allergies primarily aims to alleviate symptoms and prevent allergy flare-ups. This can be achieved by avoiding triggering substances, using anti-allergy medications like antihistamines or corticosteroids, and undergoing specific immunotherapies. In the long term, allergen immunotherapy may also be considered to desensitize the immune system to the allergens.
I strongly recommend that you schedule an appointment with an allergist in your area to receive a comprehensive diagnosis and individualized advice. It is important to detect and treat allergies early to avoid long-term complications.
I hope that this information has been helpful to you and I am available for any further questions you may have.
Sincerely,
Petra Netz
