Did you know allergies can shift at any stage of life, even well into adulthood? If you’re suddenly dealing with new symptoms, you’re not alone. Here’s what to keep in mind about adult-onset allergies.
How Common Are Adult-Onset Allergies?
Nearly one in three adults and more than one in four children in the U.S. have seasonal allergies, eczema, or food allergies, according to recent data released by the CDC.
According to the study, about one-quarter (25.7%) of adults have a diagnosed seasonal allergy and 75% of those are over the age of 45. Many of those either developed their allergies in adulthood or were not diagnosed until they were adults.
People who develop allergies later in life understandably may confuse their symptoms with those of the common cold. One major differentiator from the common cold is itchiness. If your eyes, nose, or face are itchy, it’s most likely that an allergen is causing a histamine release. Additionally, colds generally don’t last longer than 14 days, so if your symptoms persist, an evaluation by an allergist can help determine the source of your problems.
What’s Causing the Increase?
Our immune systems naturally evolve as we age. Big life changes, like an illness, pregnancy, relocating to a new area, or introducing a pet into the home, can expose your body to unfamiliar allergens and spark a response, even if you’ve never had issues before.
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, seasonal allergies are on the rise. As the population ages, dealing with the effects will become even more important not only to quality of life, but also overall health. Undiagnosed or untreated allergies can lead to other health conditions like chronic sinusitis, asthma, sleep disorders, and headaches.
Additionally, climate warming trends and increased carbon dioxide levels are lengthening the ‘grow season,’ resulting in pollen seasons starting earlier, lasting longer, and producing higher pollen levels. Seeing a board-certified allergist sooner rather than later can save you from years of suffering.
Seek Allergy Testing and Treatment
Regardless of age, pinpointing the source of your symptoms with allergy testing is the first step toward lasting relief. From avoiding specific triggers to using the right medications or starting allergen immunotherapy, a personalized treatment plan can significantly reduce—or even eliminate—your symptoms.
If you or a loved one is noticing new or changing allergy symptoms, it’s a good time to check in. Schedule a consultation with your Atlanta Allergy & Asthma provider to get answers and updated care.
Request an appointment today, or call our scheduling team at (770) 953-3331!