Since the return of sunny days, sneezing has been heard almost everywhere. On public benches, in gardens or near schools. But not only that! In offices too, where many adults become allergic “late in life”. How then can we explain this “delayed” sensitivity? And can we slow it down? Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of Doctissimo, answers us.
Is it true that you can become allergic at any age?
Allergies are not fixed: they evolve over time, just like the human body. It is therefore not uncommon for an allergy to appear late, thanks to a change in our lifestyle. A move, the arrival of a pet (cat, horse, etc.), or even the start of a new activity such as golf or gardening — which exposes one to many allergens — can thus promote its appearance.
“There is no age to become allergic“, confirms Dr. Gérald Kierzek.”Allergies often appear during childhood, particularly in the form of food allergies (to milk or eggs, for example). But they can also appear later: in adolescence, in adulthood (pollens, mites, medications) and even after 50 or 60 years, following repeated exposure to an allergen or a change in environment. Among seniors, drug allergies as well as those to hymenoptera venom are particularly common. continues the doctor.
In addition, changes in the composition of the microbiota (linked to aging) can weaken immune defenses and promote the development of allergies, according to certain studies. Finally, a nasty flu or Covid, by once again weakening the immune system, can also increase our allergic risk.
Why and how do we develop an allergic condition?
If you live near cypresses, ragweed or birches, there is no need to continue your research: it is very likely that these trees are to blame, their pollens being among the most allergenic in France.
However, allergies, whatever they may be, remain multi-factorial, believes the medical director of Doctissimo.
“The allergic terrain results from an interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Heredity plays an important role: when one or both parents are allergic, the risk for the child is multiplied by three to five. But the environment also plays a role: air pollution, excessive hygiene limiting exposure to microbes, modern diet or even stress can promote the development of allergies.“, explains the medical director of Doctissimo.
Biologically, allergy corresponds to an abnormal reaction of the immune system involving IgE antibodies. Upon first contact with the allergen, the body becomes sensitized without causing symptoms. “Upon further exposure, this IgE triggers the degranulation of mast cells, which release histamine in particular – the cause of allergic manifestations.“, specifies the doctor.
The problem? The prevalence of allergies has increased significantly in recent decades. In France, it has even increased by around 30% in twenty years.
“This increase is often attributed to a “cocktail effect” combining pollutants and allergens,” warns Dr. Gérald Kierzek.
Can we reduce our sensitivity?
Yes, to a certain extent. No miracle treatment exists, but it is often possible to reduce the symptoms using different approaches.
First option: desensitization, or allergen immunotherapy. This method consists of gradually accustoming the body to the allergen. “It gives good results in 70 to 80% of cases, particularly for allergies to pollen, dust mites or insect venoms, after three to five years of treatment. Avoidance of the allergen when possible, as well as symptomatic treatments (antihistamines, local corticosteroids), also makes it possible to better control the manifestations.“, confides the medical director of Doctissimo.
Certain avenues, such as probiotics or certain micronutrients (notably vitamin D), are still being studied to modulate the immune response. Furthermore, certain food allergies, such as those to milk or egg, often resolve spontaneously before 3 to 6 years of age.
“Puberty or a change in environment can also alleviate symptoms in certain people. In all cases, it is recommended to consult an allergist to carry out an assessment (skin tests, prick tests) and implement a personalized strategy”, concluded Dr. Gérald Kierzek.
