Can an allergy change over the course of life?
December 22, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Erwin Ullmann
Dear allergist,
My name is Ludwig Evers and I have a question regarding my allergy. Since my childhood, I have been suffering from an allergy to dust mites, which manifests itself through symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and red eyes. However, in recent years, I have noticed that my symptoms have changed and I now also seem to be allergic to certain foods.
I am concerned that my allergy may have changed over the course of my life and I wonder if this is even possible. Could it be that my allergy to dust mites has expanded to other allergens? Or could it possibly be a completely new allergy?
I wonder if there is a way to test my allergies and determine if there have indeed been any changes. Are there specific tests that can help me identify my current allergies? And if my allergy has indeed changed, what treatment options are available to me?
I would greatly appreciate it if you could help me and provide me with information on this topic. I would like to understand what is happening with my body and how I can alleviate my symptoms. Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Ludwig Evers
Dear Mr. Evers,
Thank you for your detailed question regarding your allergies. It is quite possible that allergies can vary or expand to other allergens throughout life. This is often referred to as cross-reactivity, where the immune system reacts to similar proteins found in different allergens.
In your case, you already have an allergy to dust mites, which manifests through typical symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, and red eyes. If you also seem to be allergic to certain foods now, it could be that your dust mite allergy has expanded to these foods, especially if they are cross-reactive allergens.
To accurately determine which allergens you are reacting to, various allergy tests can be conducted. One option is the skin test, where potential allergens are applied to the skin and then observed for any reactions. Another common test is a blood test, which looks for specific antibodies in the blood that indicate an allergic reaction.
Once the exact allergens have been identified, appropriate measures can be taken. This may include avoiding the allergens, taking antihistamines to relieve symptoms, or in more severe cases, undergoing immunotherapy (desensitization) where the body is slowly accustomed to the allergens to reduce reactions.
It would be advisable to consult an allergist who can perform the necessary tests and develop an individualized treatment strategy for you. This way, you can receive an accurate diagnosis and take targeted steps to alleviate your allergy symptoms.
I hope this information helps you and wish you all the best on your journey to relieving your allergy symptoms.
Best regards,
Erwin Ullmann, Allergist.
