Adult-Onset Allergies on the Rise: What You Need to Know
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Experts are reporting a surge in allergies developing in adulthood. Understand the factors behind this trend and what you can do about it.
Allergies are not just for kids anymore.Dr. Ignacio Ansotegui,head of the Allergology and Immunology Service of the Quirónsalud Bizkaia Hospital,has highlighted an emerging trend: the increasing number of allergies that appear For the frist time in apparently healthy adults.
The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) reports that nearly a third of Europeans grapple wiht some form of allergic disease. This number is projected to increase due to climate change, pollution and current life habits.
“Pollution, for example, affects the innate immune system, which we certainly know today is as relevant as the specific immune system. This imbalance can favor the appearance of allergic reactions,” explains Dr.Ansotegui. He also notes that hormonal shifts, in addition to environmental factors and repeated exposure to allergens, can Unleash late allergies in people who had never shown symptoms before.
While allergies often surface early in life, Dr. Ansotegui states that “it can occur at any age” and what “It is not uncommon for some people to develop allergic symptoms for the first time in adulthood“. Seasonal rhinitis, frequently mistaken for a common cold, is a prime example, with symptoms recurring each spring.
Symptoms That Go Unnoticed
The allergologist stresses that initial allergy signs often go undetected for years or are misdiagnosed. “A key is to observe if the symptoms They are always repeated in the same times of the year, if they improve with the rain or if they appear after contact with certain foods or animals. In those cases, it is convenient to go to an allergology specialist to perform diagnostic tests,” he advises.
“it is indeed not uncommon for some people to develop allergic symptoms for the first time in adulthood”
Integral Treatment of Allergies
Treating adult allergies involves avoiding the allergen when possible, managing symptoms with Drugs such as antihistamines or inhalers, and considering Immunotherapy in specific instances. “This treatment allows to modify the patient’s immune response to stop reacting to the allergen. It is the only approach that seeks a long -term solution,” says Dr. Ansotegui.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adult-Onset Allergies
- what are the common symptoms of adult-onset allergies?
- Symptoms can include skin rashes, hives, itching, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases,anaphylaxis can occur.
- How are adult-onset allergies diagnosed?
- Allergies are typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, skin prick tests, and blood tests (IgE antibody tests).
- What are the treatment options for adult-onset allergies?
- Treatment options include allergen avoidance, medications (antihistamines, corticosteroids, epinephrine), and immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual tablets).
- can adult-onset allergies be cured?
- While there is no definitive cure for allergies, symptoms can be effectively managed through a combination of avoidance strategies, medications, and immunotherapy.
- Are adult-onset allergies becoming more common?
- Yes, studies suggest that adult-onset allergies are becoming increasingly prevalent, possibly due to environmental factors, lifestyle changes, and increased awareness.
