Is it possible to develop seasonal allergies

Often allergies follow a predictable course: eczema and food allergies in babies and toddlers, then hay fever symptoms in mid-to-late childhood. Allergy symptoms may fade during the teen years, only to return when you're an adult. Some people, however, do experience allergy symptoms for the first time in adulthood.

This most often happens in your twenties, thirties, and forties rather than in later years. Any type of allergy can occur in adulthood, including hay fever, pet allergies, and dust mite and mold allergies as well as insect bite , drug, and food allergies.

Again, experts aren't entirely sure why this happens, but theories include:. If you're bothered by mild allergy symptoms from hay fever and the like, it's fine to try over-the-counter antihistamines. If this doesn't help, consult your doctor to rule out other conditions and possibly get a referral to a specialist. An allergy expert can help determine specific triggers, suggest ways to avoid them, and perhaps offer medications.

If you suspect you have a food allergy, take it very seriously, as it can be life-threatening. Be sure to work closely with a board-certified allergist who will teach you about avoiding unexpected sources of the food and managing your allergy symptoms.

Other people may have environmental allergies to things like animals and dust mites. Did you know your allergies change and this year may be the first you experience symptoms? Typical symptoms associated with allergies include:. These symptoms are also often associated with the common cold and flu and may have you overly concerned this year because of the spread of the coronavirus COVID , especially if you have never had allergies before. While some symptoms of the coronavirus overlap with allergies, there are several differences.

Usually, allergies first appear early in life and become a lifelong issue. However, allergies can start unexpectedly as an adult. A family history of allergies puts you at a higher risk of developing allergies some time in your life.

Allergies develop when your body thinks a substance such as animal hair, pollen, or mold is harmful. That substance awakens your immune system to release a chemical called histamine, which leads to your allergy symptoms. As you age, your immune system may start to weaken, so your response to an allergen also weakens.

Repeated exposure can also cause your immune system to overreact. 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.

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Most of the time, allergens simply cause mildly uncomfortable symptoms such as coughing, itching, sneezing, skin irritation, and runny nose.

Sometimes your immune system will identify a substance as harmful, even though it isn't. When this happens, it's called an allergic reaction. Neti pots have been used for many years as a remedy for allergies and other conditions.

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Learn more here. Mold is a type of fungus that grows in moist areas and can trigger allergic reactions. Mold allergies are generally not life threatening. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.

Allergy development When allergies develop Common adult allergies Causes Can allergies go away? Treatments When to see a doctor Takeaway Share on Pinterest. How allergies develop.