Can You Develop Allergies as an Adult?

Nearly 1 in 3 adults in the United States has allergies. Even if you didn’t have allergies as a kid, you may experience sudden symptoms later in life. While the exact cause isn’t entirely clear, it is possible to develop allergies as an adult.

Whether you struggle with sneezing, itchy eyes, or nasal congestion caused by allergies, Srinagesh Paluvoi, MD, FAAP, FACAAI, and his team at Allergy & Asthma Affiliates, with offices in Lansdowne and Gainesville, Virginia, can help you find lasting relief. Find out more about what puts you at risk for adult-onset allergies, how they are diagnosed, and options for treatment below.

Risk factors for adult-onset allergies

Potential risk factors for developing adult-onset allergies include:

• Environmental changes
• Moving to a new area
• Obesity
• Lack of physical activity
• Dietary changes
• Eating highly processed foods
• Antibiotic use during early childhood
• New exposure to pets, foods, medications, dust, mold, certain plants, pollution, or workplace chemicals
• Changes in your immune system
• Stress
• Genetics

Regardless of the cause (which isn’t always known), adult-onset allergies can become debilitating and sometimes dangerous when left untreated.

Symptoms of adult-onset allergies

The symptoms you might develop later in life due to adult-onset allergies include:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Coughing
• Watery, itchy, or swollen eyes
• Sore throat
• Skin irritation or eczema 
• Itchy mouth or skin
• Rash or hives
• Digestive problems, such as vomiting, an upset stomach, or diarrhea
• Difficulty swallowing
• Sneezing
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Faintness
• Swelling of the mouth, throat, or tongue

You might also experience difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing, or other asthma-like symptoms. Confusion, fainting, and breathing problems are life-threatening allergy-related emergencies. Dial 911 if these symptoms happen to you or a loved one. 

Diagnosing adult-onset allergies

Allergy & Asthma Affiliates offers allergy testing (including skin prick tests, patch testing, blood tests, and lung-function tests) to determine if you have adult-onset allergies or asthma. 

Dr. Paluvoi also checks your vital signs, completes a physical exam, and discusses your medical history, lifestyle, and symptoms. He then creates a personalized allergy treatment plan, which may also include asthma treatments. 

Treating adult-onset allergies

Your customized adult-onset allergy treatment may consist of:

• Allergy avoidance
• Oral medications
• Nasal sprays
• Allergy shots or other forms of immunotherapy
• Lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise modifications
• Stress management 
• Keeping indoor air quality clean
• EpiPen®

You might also use an inhaler if you struggle to breathe deeply because of allergies or asthma. 

Dr. Paluvoi tailors a plan that matches your specific type of allergy, your lifestyle, the severity of your symptoms, and your treatment preferences. He also treats childhood allergies.

The first step toward allergy relief

Are you ready for relief from allergy symptoms you’ve developed as an adult? Contact us today at Allergy & Asthma Affiliates by calling our office or booking an appointment online.