Can Adults Still Develop Food Allergies? All Your Questions Answered
Can adults still develop food allergies? Find out everything you need to know, including symptoms, causes, and treatment options for adult-onset food allergies.
Author:Dexter CookeReviewer:Stefano MclaughlinJul 04, 20241.5K Shares53.3K Views
Although allergies are more common in children, adults can develop food allergies at any age, from their early 20s to old age. Nearly 6% of Americans have a food allergy, which can develop at any time, even after years of eating the same foods without any issues.
Studies also showthat for half of the adults with food allergies, at least one of those allergies developed during adulthood. But what causes these allergies? And, is there anything that can be done to prevent them?
What Is An Allergy?
An allergy occurs when your immune system reacts to a normally harmless foreign substance known as an allergen. These allergens provoke the immune system into producing antibodies as a response, to fight off what it mistakenly perceives as being harmful to the body. Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, pet hair, mold, medications, latex, insect stings and bites, and certain foods.
What Causes Food Allergies?
Food allergies occur when your body produces a specific antibody in response to a particular food. This reaction triggers an allergic response, causing swelling in the airways, sinuses, skin, or digestive system. These allergic reactions can occur just minutes after being in contact with the food allergen either through eating, touching, or inhaling.
Why Do Adults Develop Food Allergies?
Researchers are uncertain about the exact reasons why food allergies develop in adults, but it could be in part due to the constant evolution of the immune system. Another possible cause is heredity, particularly if there is a family history of asthma, eczema, or other allergies. Location, gut health, and diet are other contributing factors.
Allergies may also have been present during childhood but remained undetected due to limited exposure to the allergen. Stress can also enhance allergic reactions. Understanding these factors can be particularly relevant for those studying health sciences, such as in online accelerated BSN programs.
How Are Food Allergies Different From Food Sensitivities?
It's important to distinguish between food allergies and food sensitivities (intolerances). Food sensitivities are triggered by the digestive system and, while they can cause discomfort, they are not dangerous.
What Foods Commonly Cause Allergic Reactions?
While any food can potentially cause an allergic reaction, there are nine foods that account for 90% of all food allergies:
- Dairy products
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
- Wheat
- Soy
- Sesame
- Eggs
What Are Food Allergy Symptoms?
Food allergy symptomscan range from mild reactions to more severe ones, such as anaphylaxis. Symptoms include a tingling sensation in the mouth, swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat, hives (a type of skin rash causing itchy, red bumps and swelling), stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea.
What Is Anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition caused by a severe allergic reaction that can cause shock and requires immediate medical attention. Signs to look out for include loss of consciousness, a drop in blood pressure, shortness of breath, skin rashes, lightheadedness, a rapid, weak pulse, vomiting, and diarrhea.
How Can You Identify Food Allergies?
If you suspect that you have a food allergy but are unsure of the specific allergen, you can undergo allergy tests with an allergist - a specialist in allergies. Testing methods include skin tests, blood tests, or an oral food challenge, which is the most accurate way to diagnose food allergies.
This procedure involves eating small amounts of different food types to see if you have a reaction. But, it must be performed under strict medical supervision in case of a severe allergic reaction requiring immediate medical care.
How Can Food Allergies Be Treated?
While ongoing research aims to find a complete cure for allergies, no treatment currently exists that can completely eliminate symptoms, only relieve them.
What Medications Are Available?
Some medications can help manage and relieve symptoms effectively. For mild allergy symptoms, antihistamines are commonly prescribed. These medicines work by lowering or blocking the chemicals the body produces when it comes into contact with an allergen. Antihistamines can help relieve hives and itching. For more serious allergic reactions, an immediate injection of epinephrine (adrenaline) is required.
Are There Natural Remedies For Food Allergies?
There are several natural remedies that may help relieve food allergy symptoms. Ginger tea is popular and is often used for digestive problems. It can help with stomach discomfort, such as bloating and gas, caused by trigger foods, and it also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Lemons, which are high in vitamin C, are a powerful antioxidant that helps keep the immune system healthy and strong.
Probiotics can provide healthy bacteria to the gut and can be taken as supplements or found in various foods, including:
- Yogurt
- Kefir
- Sauerkraut
- Tempeh
- Miso
- Kimchi
- Kombucha
- Natto
- Pickles
Can Alternative Medicine Help With Food Allergies?
Some studies have shown that acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can provide relief from allergies. While these methods may not work for everyone, they offer additional options for managing symptoms naturally.
How Can I Prevent An Allergic Reaction?
The only way to avoid an allergic reaction is to steer clear of the food you're allergic to. This includes reading food labels carefully to ensure that the food has not come into contact with allergens.
Laws require that the presence of any of the nine main allergens be clearly stated on the packaging. Avoid eating any food you have doubts about, and be particularly cautious when eating out at restaurants or other places where you haven't prepared the food yourself.
Keeping a diary of what you eat can help you identify foods that trigger or worsen your symptoms. If you’ve already experienced a severe allergic reaction, wearing a medical alert bracelet can alert others to your allergy if you are unable to communicate.
While food allergies are commonly associated with childhood, adults can also develop them at any stage of life. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and management of food allergies is essential for maintaining health and well-being.
If you suspect you have a food allergy, seek medical advice and consider consulting a dietitian who will be able to provide you with personalized guidance on managing your diet and avoiding triggers.
Dexter Cooke
Author
Dexter Cooke is an economist, marketing strategist, and orthopedic surgeon with over 20 years of experience crafting compelling narratives that resonate worldwide.
He holds a Journalism degree from Columbia University, an Economics background from Yale University, and a medical degree with a postdoctoral fellowship in orthopedic medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina.
Dexter’s insights into media, economics, and marketing shine through his prolific contributions to respected publications and advisory roles for influential organizations.
As an orthopedic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive knee replacement surgery and laparoscopic procedures, Dexter prioritizes patient care above all.
Outside his professional pursuits, Dexter enjoys collecting vintage watches, studying ancient civilizations, learning about astronomy, and participating in charity runs.
Stefano Mclaughlin
Reviewer
Stefano Mclaughlin is a Psychologist focused on mental health, emotional well-being, and healthcare policy. He studied Psychology and Public Health at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, gaining a deep understanding of the intersection between mental health and public policy.
Stefano's mission is clear: he aims to destigmatize mental health discussions, improve access to mental healthcare, and promote emotional well-being for all. Drawing from personal experiences with anxiety and depression, Stefano shares real stories to make mental health topics more relatable and less intimidating.
In addition to his advocacy work, Stefano enjoys delving into books, experimenting in the kitchen, and embarking on new adventures. These hobbies fuel his creativity and inspire fresh perspectives for his advocacy work.
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