Can you develop allergies as an adult. What factors contribute to adult-onset allergies. How are allergies diagnosed and treated in adults. What are the signs of a severe allergic reaction. How can adults manage newly developed allergies effectively.

Understanding Adult-Onset Allergies: A Growing Concern

While many people associate allergies with childhood, the development of allergies in adulthood is becoming increasingly common. This phenomenon, known as adult-onset allergies, has garnered attention from medical professionals and researchers alike. But what exactly are adult-onset allergies, and why do they occur?

Adult-onset allergies refer to allergic reactions that first appear in individuals over the age of 18. These can manifest as respiratory allergies, food allergies, skin allergies, or even life-threatening reactions to certain substances. The rise in adult-onset allergies has prompted a closer examination of the factors contributing to this trend and the implications for public health.

Why do some adults suddenly develop allergies?

The emergence of allergies in adulthood can be attributed to several factors:

• Aging immune system
• Environmental changes
• Increased hygiene practices
• Exposure to new allergens
• Hormonal changes
• Stress and lifestyle factors

As we age, our immune system undergoes changes that can make us more susceptible to developing allergies. Additionally, environmental factors such as climate change and increased pollution levels may contribute to the rise in adult-onset allergies.

The Impact of Environmental Changes on Adult Allergies

Environmental factors play a significant role in the development of adult-onset allergies. Climate change, in particular, has been linked to an increase in allergy prevalence among adults. As global temperatures rise, plants produce more pollen, and the pollen season extends, leading to higher exposure to allergens.

Moreover, urbanization and changes in air quality can exacerbate allergy symptoms. Urban environments often have higher levels of air pollution, which can irritate the respiratory system and make individuals more susceptible to allergic reactions.

How does climate change affect allergy prevalence?

Climate change impacts allergy prevalence in several ways:

1. Longer pollen seasons
2. Increased pollen production
3. Changes in plant distribution
4. Higher levels of air pollution
5. Increased mold growth due to humidity

These environmental changes can lead to more frequent and severe allergy symptoms, even in individuals who have never experienced allergies before.

The Role of Hygiene in Adult-Onset Allergies

The “hygiene hypothesis” suggests that our modern obsession with cleanliness may contribute to the rise in allergies. This theory posits that reduced exposure to germs and parasites in early life may lead to an overactive immune system that is more prone to allergic reactions.

In recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increased focus on hygiene practices. While these measures are crucial for preventing the spread of infectious diseases, they may inadvertently impact our immune system’s ability to differentiate between harmless and harmful substances.

Does excessive cleanliness contribute to allergy development?

The relationship between cleanliness and allergy development is complex. While maintaining good hygiene is important for overall health, excessive use of antibacterial products and limited exposure to diverse microorganisms may affect immune system development. Finding a balance between cleanliness and allowing the immune system to encounter a variety of environmental stimuli is key to promoting a healthy immune response.

Common Types of Adult-Onset Allergies

Adult-onset allergies can manifest in various forms, affecting different parts of the body. Some of the most common types include:

• Seasonal allergies (hay fever)
• Food allergies
• Pet allergies
• Dust mite allergies
• Skin allergies (contact dermatitis)
• Medication allergies

Each type of allergy presents with unique symptoms and triggers. Understanding the specific allergen responsible for the reaction is crucial for effective management and treatment.

Are certain allergies more likely to develop in adulthood?

While any allergy can develop in adulthood, some are more commonly observed. Seasonal allergies and food allergies, particularly to shellfish and tree nuts, are among the most frequently reported adult-onset allergies. Additionally, occupational allergies, which develop due to exposure to specific substances in the workplace, are more likely to emerge in adulthood.

Diagnosing Allergies in Adults: Methods and Challenges

Diagnosing allergies in adults can be challenging, as symptoms may be similar to other conditions or may be attributed to aging. However, accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management and treatment. Common diagnostic methods include:

• Skin prick tests
• Blood tests (specific IgE tests)
• Elimination diets (for food allergies)
• Oral food challenges
• Patch tests (for contact allergies)

These tests help identify specific allergens triggering the immune response, allowing for targeted treatment approaches.

How are adult-onset allergies diagnosed differently from childhood allergies?

The diagnostic process for adult-onset allergies is similar to that used for childhood allergies. However, healthcare providers may need to consider a broader range of potential allergens and take into account the patient’s occupational and environmental exposures. Additionally, adults may have more complex medical histories and concurrent health conditions that need to be considered during the diagnostic process.

Treatment Options for Adult-Onset Allergies

Managing adult-onset allergies often requires a multifaceted approach. Treatment options may include:

1. Allergen avoidance
2. Medications (antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, etc.)
3. Immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual tablets)
4. Lifestyle modifications
5. Emergency medications (for severe allergic reactions)

The most appropriate treatment plan depends on the type and severity of the allergy, as well as the individual’s overall health and preferences.

Is immunotherapy effective for adult-onset allergies?

Immunotherapy can be an effective treatment option for many adults with newly developed allergies. This approach involves gradually exposing the immune system to increasing amounts of an allergen to build tolerance. While traditionally administered through injections, sublingual immunotherapy (under-the-tongue tablets or drops) has emerged as a convenient alternative for certain allergies. The effectiveness of immunotherapy may vary depending on the specific allergy and individual factors, but many adults experience significant symptom relief and improved quality of life with this treatment approach.

Recognizing and Responding to Severe Allergic Reactions

While many allergic reactions are mild to moderate, some individuals may experience severe reactions known as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include:

• Difficulty breathing or wheezing
• Swelling of the throat or tongue
• Dizziness or fainting
• Rapid pulse
• Nausea and vomiting
• Hives or widespread rash

Adults with severe allergies should always carry an epinephrine auto-injector and know how to use it in case of emergency.

How quickly can anaphylaxis develop in adults with new allergies?

Anaphylaxis can develop rapidly, often within minutes of exposure to the allergen. In some cases, symptoms may appear up to several hours after exposure. The speed of onset can vary depending on the individual and the specific allergen involved. It’s crucial for adults with newly diagnosed severe allergies to be vigilant and prepared to respond quickly to any signs of a severe reaction.

Living with Adult-Onset Allergies: Strategies for Management

Adapting to life with newly developed allergies can be challenging, but there are several strategies that can help adults manage their condition effectively:

1. Educate yourself about your specific allergy
2. Create an allergy management plan with your healthcare provider
3. Modify your environment to reduce allergen exposure
4. Learn to read food labels carefully (for food allergies)
5. Communicate your allergy to friends, family, and colleagues
6. Consider wearing a medical alert bracelet
7. Stay prepared with necessary medications

By implementing these strategies, adults can minimize the impact of allergies on their daily lives and maintain a good quality of life.

Can lifestyle changes help manage adult-onset allergies?

Lifestyle modifications can play a significant role in managing adult-onset allergies. Simple changes such as using air purifiers, maintaining a clean home environment, and avoiding known allergens can help reduce symptoms. For individuals with food allergies, learning to prepare allergen-free meals and navigating restaurant dining can be essential skills. Additionally, stress management techniques and regular exercise may help boost overall immune function and resilience against allergic reactions.

As research in the field of adult-onset allergies continues to evolve, new insights and treatment options are likely to emerge. By staying informed and working closely with healthcare providers, adults can effectively manage their allergies and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. The key lies in understanding one’s specific allergies, being prepared for potential reactions, and taking proactive steps to minimize exposure to allergens while maximizing overall health and well-being.

Can You Develop Allergies as an Adult?

While most allergies present themselves during childhood, they are certainly possible to develop as an adult. “It’s not only possible, it’s becoming increasingly common for people to develop allergies in adulthood,” says Juan Ravell, M.D., division chief of allergy and immunology at Hackensack University Medical Center. 

Why Adults Become Allergic

Doctors aren’t exactly sure why people develop allergies beyond childhood, but it may have to do with several factors: 

• An aging population. As more people are living longer in the U.S., allergies in adults are becoming more prevalent, according to the medical journal Aging and Disease. As we age, our immune system becomes weaker over time and we are more susceptible to illness, including allergies.
• A changing environment. Climate change is causing the planet to get warmer, which causes flowers to bloom earlier and pollen season to become longer by several weeks, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. There are higher amounts of pollen and mold in our atmosphere, which may cause people who never had allergies to develop symptoms.
• Hypervigilant focus on cleanliness. In the last few decades,we have become increasingly preoccupied with hygiene. The pandemic has only increased our awareness of germs. We use antibacterial soaps, alcohol-based hand sanitizers and bleach for wiping down surfaces.  As a result, our immune systems aren’t used to fighting off minor invaders or germs, and our bodies can overreact with allergy symptoms.    

Treatment for Allergies in Adults

For allergy symptoms that aren’t too bothersome, you may presume it’s okay to just grin and bear it. But while minor symptoms might seem harmless, they could be signs of more severe allergic reactions in your future. 

“If you notice allergy symptoms coming on shortly after an activity such as eating a certain food, taking a new medicine, petting a cat or mowing the lawn, make an appointment to see your doctor,” says Dr. Ravell. “Your doctor may recommend that you see an allergy specialist and get tested to find out what you’re allergic to.” 

Knowing When An Allergy Is An Emergency

In some people, exposure to certain allergens (substances that cause allergies) such as foods, mediations, insect stings and latex can trigger a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. It is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate medical treatment, including prompt administration of intramuscular epinephrine, and it can be fatal if not treated properly. 

Symptoms of anaphylaxis typically start within a few minutes of encountering the allergen, so it’s important to call 911 or your local emergency number and get to an emergency department as quickly as possible. Serious allergy symptoms that should not be ignored include:

• Trouble breathing
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting or loss of consciousness.
• Hives; Itching; flushed, pale or blue skin
• Swelling of the face, eyes, lips or throat
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

The best way to avoid having an allergic reaction is to avoid the allergen that’s causing the allergy, if possible.  

“Your doctor will work with you to create a game plan to deal with your allergy,” Dr. Ravell says. “This could include taking steps to avoid certain foods or exposures, carrying an EpiPen, taking medication or getting injections.” 

Next Steps & Resources:

• Meet our source: Juan Ravell, M.D.
• To make an appointment with Dr. Ravell or a doctor near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.

Can You Develop Allergies in Adulthood? What Science Says

Allergies happen when your body detects some kind of foreign substance, such as a pollen grain or pet dander, and activates an immune system response to fight it off.

Allergens develop in two phases.

Phase 1

First, your immune system responds to certain substances by creating antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE). This part is called sensitization.

Depending on what kind of allergy you have, such as pollen or food, these antibodies are localized in your airways — including your nose, mouth, throat, windpipe, and lungs — your gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and your skin.

Phase 2

If you’re exposed to that allergen again, your body releases inflammatory substances, including the chemical histamine. This causes blood vessels to dilate, mucus to form, skin to itch, and airway tissues to swell up.

This allergic reaction is meant to stop allergens from getting in and to fight off any irritation or infection that might be caused by the allergens that do get in. Essentially, you can think of allergies as an overreaction to those allergens.

From then on, your body responds similarly when it’s exposed to that allergen in the future. For mild airborne allergies, you might experience symptoms of puffy eyes, stuffy nose, and itchy throat. And for severe allergies, you might have hives, diarrhea, and trouble breathing.

Most people remember first getting allergy symptoms at a young age — about 1 in 5 kids have some kind of allergy or asthma.

Many people outgrow their allergies by their 20s and 30s, as they become tolerant to their allergens, especially food allergens such as milk, eggs, and grains.

But it’s possible to develop an allergy at any point in your life. You may even become allergic to something that you had no allergy to before.

It isn’t clear why some allergies develop in adulthood, especially by one’s 20s or 30s.

Let’s get into how and why you can develop an allergy later in life, how you can treat a new allergy, and whether you can expect a new allergy or an existing one to go away with time.

Seasonal allergies

The most commonly developed adult-onset allergies are seasonal. Pollen, ragweed, and other plant allergens spike at certain times of the year, usually the spring or fall.

Pet allergies

Have a feline or canine friend? Being constantly exposed to their dander, or skin flakes that slough off and become airborne, and chemicals from urine and saliva that get on dander can cause you to develop an allergy.

Food allergies

Nearly 11 percent of adults in the United States have some type of food allergy, and nearly half of them report first noticing symptoms during adulthood, especially to certain kinds of fish.

Other common food allergens in adults are peanuts and tree nuts and fruit and vegetable pollen.

Many children develop food allergies and often have less and less severe symptoms as they get older.

It isn’t exactly clear why allergies might develop in adulthood.

Researchers believe that a severe allergic reaction during childhood, even a single episode of symptoms, can increase your likelihood of developing allergies as an adult when you’re re-exposed to that allergen at higher levels.

In some cases, these links are easy to see and represent what is known as the atopic march. Children who have food allergies or skin conditions like eczema may develop symptoms of seasonal allergies, like sneezing, itching, and sore throats, as they get older.

Then, symptoms fade for a while. They may return in your 20s, 30s, and 40s when you’re exposed to an allergy trigger. Possible adult allergy triggers can include:

• Allergen exposure when your immune system function is reduced. This happens when you’re sick, pregnant, or have a condition that compromises your immune system.
• Having little exposure to an allergen as a child. You may not have been exposed to high enough levels to trigger a reaction until adulthood.
• Relocating to a new home or workplace with new allergens. This could include plants and trees that you weren’t exposed to before.
• Having a pet for the first time. Research suggests this can also happen after a long period of having no pets.

The short answer is yes.

Even if you develop allergies as an adult, you may notice they start to fade again when you reach your 50s and beyond.

This is because your immune function is reduced as you get older, so the immune response to allergens also becomes less severe.

Some allergies you have as a child may also go away when you’re a teen and well into your adulthood, perhaps making only a few appearances throughout your life until they disappear permanently.

Here are some possible treatments for allergies, whether you have a mild seasonal allergy or a severe food or contact allergy:

• Take antihistamines. Antihistamines, such as cetirizine (Zyrtec) or diphenhydramine (Benadryl), can reduce your symptoms or keep them under control. Take them before you’re exposed to an allergen.
• Get a skin-prick test. This test can help you see what specific allergens trigger your reactions. Once you know what you’re allergic to, you can try to avoid that allergen or reduce your exposure as much as possible.
• Consider getting allergy shots (immunotherapy). The shots can gradually build up your immunity to your allergy triggers within a few years of regular shots.
• Keep an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) nearby. Having an EpiPen is important in case you’re accidentally exposed to an allergy trigger, which can result in low blood pressure and throat swelling/airway constriction that makes it hard or impossible to breathe (anaphylaxis).
• Tell the people around you about your allergies. If your symptoms can be severe or life threatening, they’ll know how to treat you if you have an allergic reaction.

Some allergy symptoms are mild and can be treated with reduced exposure to the allergen or by taking medication.

But some symptoms are severe enough to disrupt your life, or even life threatening.

Seek emergency medical help, or have someone around you get help if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• feeling abnormally dizzy
• abnormal swelling of the tongue or throat
• rash or hives across your body
• abdominal cramps
• throwing up
• diarrhea
• feeling confused or disoriented
• fever
• anaphylaxis (throat swelling up and closing, wheezing, low blood pressure)
• seizures
• loss of consciousness

You can develop allergies at any time during your life.

Some may be mild and depend on seasonal variations in how much of that allergen is in the air. Others may be severe or life threatening.

See your doctor if you start to notice new allergy symptoms so that you can learn what treatment options, medications, or lifestyle changes may help reduce your symptoms or keep them under control.

Why does an allergy occur in adults who have not suffered from it before

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What causes a person to develop allergies?

As a child, you could eat kilograms of strawberries without fear of red cheeks, even as a teenager your face remained without a pimple, an allergy to peanuts or eggs sounds like something unreal to you, and you don’t understand how you can not pet a cat . ..

In a word, if you are one of those who think that he is definitely not threatened by allergies, you might be interested in reading this text.

The body’s immune system produces various antibodies to protect against disease. In the case of allergies, the immune system synthesizes immunoglobulin E, also known as IgE. Its excess causes allergy symptoms. IgE is a chemical messenger that travels through cells to convey information about the need for chemical defense against a foreign invader. People with allergies have high levels of IgE against otherwise harmless environmental irritants, such as certain foods, pollen, or pet dander.

There are more people with allergies

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of cases of allergies among adults. For example, if in 2008 0.5% of the adult population had a nut allergy, then in 2017 this figure was already 1.8%.

Many theories to explain the rise in newly diagnosed allergies focus on higher concentrations of air pollutants, a growing population of dust mites, less ventilation in homes and offices, malnutrition, and a sedentary lifestyle. What’s more, even the way you were born can also increase your risk of developing allergies. It has been proven that people who are born by caesarean section do not come into contact with the maternal microbiome, which leads to the predominance of atypical bacteria in them. Over time, these people are more likely to develop some form of allergy.

Another theory related to hygiene suggests that the less bacteria a person is exposed to, the more they may be susceptible to allergic diseases due to inhibition of the natural development of the immune system.

In addition, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, published in 2017, some ethnic groups may also be more susceptible to certain allergic reactions. For example, Caucasians are less likely to be allergic to peanuts and shellfish than Hispanics, Asians, and blacks over 18 years of age.

How does age affect allergies?

The development of some form of allergy in adults is possible regardless of age. Although for some types of allergies, age does matter.

For example, most food reactions that occur in childhood disappear as they grow older. And vice versa – the likelihood of developing certain types of allergies, such as hay fever, increases over the years.

But most people who are diagnosed with allergies as adults have probably had an allergic episode earlier in their lives that they don’t remember. Allergy often develops according to a well-known scenario. Atopic dermatitis appears first, followed by food allergies in infants and children, followed by hay fever symptoms in middle and late childhood. Allergy symptoms may disappear during adolescence, but then return in adulthood.

However, there are people who actually experience the first allergy symptoms as adults. It can be a reaction to anything: pollen, mold, drugs, insect bites, food…

In terms of food, the most common food allergies in adults are peanuts, fish, shellfish (shrimp, crab) and tree nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans, and cashews).

How does an allergy manifest itself in adults?

One US study suggests that adults may be most at risk for intense severe symptoms and anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition. Exercising, asthma, and the use of alcohol and certain medications, including aspirin, increase the likelihood of such a reaction.

Anaphylaxis can occur immediately or sometimes minutes after ingestion of an allergen or insect sting.

In this case, the only effective way to “extinguish” the reaction is adrenaline. In this case, it must be entered immediately. The longer a patient is left untreated, the greater the chance of death. Therefore, patients with a history of anaphylaxis are advised to carry an epinephrine injector with them at all times.

But the most amazing thing about allergies in adults is that they can suddenly appear on things that did not cause any problems yesterday. You may have been in contact with this allergen on a daily basis for many years without any side effects and suddenly feel allergic symptoms.

What factors increase the risk of developing allergies with age?

Factors such as:

· Change of residence;

appearance of a pet;

Allergen exposure threshold reached;

Allergen exposure during a weakened immune system (illness or pregnancy).

As a rule, allergies in adults make themselves felt in the second, third or fourth decade. Further, theoretically, the chances of getting one or another reaction decrease. Although in rare cases, an allergy for the first time can occur much later – at 70, or even at 80 years old.

On the contrary, the severity of allergy symptoms decreases with age. This happens after the age of 50 and is explained by the fact that over time the immune function decreases, so the response to allergens also becomes less pronounced.

However, due to the global trend towards population aging, scientists suggest that over time, the number of allergic reactions may increase among the elderly.

Allergic reactions in the elderly can occur for the following reasons:

Aging at the molecular, cellular and systemic levels.

The aging process affects the functions of the body at the molecular, cellular and systemic levels, due to which the elderly suffer more from chronic inflammatory diseases, and these diseases also accelerate aging.

As a result of the aging of the immune system, the elderly have an increased susceptibility to infectious diseases; in old age, autoimmune diseases, neoplasias, metabolic diseases, osteoporosis, and neurological disorders are more common.

Also, with age, deficiency of such trace elements with important immuno-regulatory functions as iron, zinc and vitamin D begins to be observed more often.

All this can lead to the development of allergic reactions.

Brain aging .

Age-related changes occur in all parts of the body, including the brain. Neurodegenerative diseases, cognitive impairment, depression and poor response to stressors are some of the major neurological problems in the elderly.

Stress releases hormones and other substances, including histamine, leading to allergy symptoms. While stress does not actually cause allergies, it can exacerbate an allergic reaction by increasing the release of histamine. Therefore, stress and allergies reinforce each other.

· Gastrointestinal problems

Another weak point is the digestive tract. Changes in local immune responses here can contribute to the development of food allergies, regardless of age.

This can be caused by certain medications (eg, drugs that suppress stomach acid), alcohol, immunological changes that occur in old age, and chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

One study conducted among nursing home patients (mean age 77 years) showed that 24.8% of them had specific IgE to food allergens.

Physiological changes in the upper and lower respiratory tract.

These age-related changes can exacerbate nasal congestion, itching, sneezing and rhinorrhea, which are typical symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

For example, nasal mucociliary clearance is the primary innate defense mechanism in the nose and paranasal sinuses. Thanks to him, the mucus secreted into the upper respiratory tract by the goblet cells of the respiratory epithelium and retaining particles from the air, allergens and pathogens, is transported by the flickering cells of the respiratory epithelium to the pharynx, where it is swallowed. But, with age, the time required for this increases significantly, which means a decrease in the function of the respiratory epithelium.

Anatomical changes associated with aging also include damage to the nasal mucosa, ciliary ultrastructural defects such as increased central microtubule disorientation, changes in the proportions of elastic tissues and collagen, and aging of collagen itself. Aging leads to changes in the larynx, an increase in the area of ​​the trachea, a loss of lung capacity by more than 40%.

Allergy symptoms and treatment

Before symptoms begin, the allergen will test our immune system for some time. It may take several years, until one day the body still does not lose tolerance to a particular substance. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can be very different – from a runny nose to the already mentioned severe form – anaphylaxis. In particular, you may experience:

• runny nose,
• conjunctivitis,
• soreness, itching or tickling in the mouth,
• edema,
• rash like urticaria,
• pruritus,
• abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
• palpitations,
• breathing problems
• loss of consciousness,
• shock.

For example, 42% of adults with atopic dermatitis acquired the disease in adulthood. It most often appears on the arms, head, or neck (according to a study published in November 2017 in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology).

It is also noteworthy that those who have not previously had allergies in response to certain chemical irritants are more likely to develop non-allergic rhinitis. In this case, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, and other symptoms often associated with allergies may occur. However, these symptoms are caused by irritants (such as odors, dust, cigarette smoke, or detergents), changes in atmospheric pressure, or a certain medication, not an allergen.

Treating allergy symptoms

If you have mild allergy symptoms, such as pollen exposure, you can try antihistamines. If they don’t help, see your family doctor to rule out other conditions and possibly get a referral to an allergist. It can help identify specific triggers, suggest ways to avoid them, and suggest other specific allergy treatments such as ASIT.

If you suspect you have a food allergy, take it seriously as it can be life threatening. If the allergist confirms the diagnosis, it is possible that you will have to constantly avoid the food that provokes the development of symptoms.

Information sources:

1.https://www.everydayhealth.com/allergies/understanding-adult-onset-allergies.aspx

://www.carolinaasthma.com/blog/what-causes-a-person-to-develop-allergies/

3.https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/can-you-develop-allergies#when-allergies-develop

4.https://www.webmd.com/all ergies/features/adult-onset-allergies

0017

6. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-allergies-go-away-or-develop-as-you-age/amp/

6 8.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5362176/

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Allergies can occur suddenly and even in adulthood

Allergies can occur suddenly and even in adulthood. Myths and reality. Unusual allergens. Can allergies be cured?

Nuts, pollen, pet hair, poplar fluff, ragweed, milk – all these substances cause allergies. According to WHO statistics, the number of allergy sufferers of all ages is growing every year. Every third resident of Moscow, one in four in Berlin, one in six in New York is subject to spring exacerbation. Allergy is the plague of the 21st century. Some facts about this disease will seem surprising to you.

What you need to know about allergies

Despite the fact that scientists have been studying this “phenomenon” for a long time, there are not very many reliable facts about it. Every year, new forms and factors of allergens appear. Experts say that allergies are a consequence of a gastrointestinal disease. Problems with the gastrointestinal tract at times increase the possibility of allergies. An allergic reaction is a malfunction in the body’s immune system, that is, its reaction to a substance recognized as hostile.

Allergies are hereditary. If one of the parents is allergic, then it is more likely that the child will inherit this disease.

Rural residents are much less likely to experience allergic reactions than city dwellers.

Cross allergens exist. If an allergic reaction to cow’s milk, then similar manifestations can be on beef meat, dairy products, wool. Among the twin allergens are also: eggs – chicken meat, fish – seafood, honey – pollen.

The most dangerous allergen is peanuts. An allergic reaction to this product affects more than 2% of the world’s population. Upon contact with this allergen, up to 20% of cases are fatal.

Food intolerances are often confused with allergies. These are two different concepts. To identify the cause, it is necessary to undergo an examination. It is very difficult to establish an allergen, this requires a thorough laboratory study.

The main manifestations of an allergic reaction: skin rashes, itchy nose, runny nose, asthma. The most dangerous, life-threatening is Quincke’s edema.

Myths and reality

Paper tissues, perfumes, cigarette smoke are not allergens. We are talking about chemical irritation.

Allergies do not go away on their own. Comprehensive treatment and exclusion of exposure to allergens is required.

Alcohol does not cause, but enhances an already existing allergic reaction.

Is headache a sign of an allergic reaction? It all depends on the intensity and nature of pain. With allergies, the degree of the disease does not decrease over the years and the pain may be wandering.

Unusual allergens

There are examples of unusual allergic reactions all over the world. Fortunately, these are isolated cases. But they are. We provide a list of the most unusual allergens:

· Paper money. The cause was paint components and nickel.

Electricity. In Sweden, “electricity allergy” is recognized as an official disease.