MSNBC.com reports that adult allergies are on the rise in the last 20 years. Doctors used to believe that allergies developed during childhood, and that children would outgrow them as they grew into adulthood. However, adults that never had allergies as children can develop them in adulthood. Adult allergies have the same causes and symptoms as childhood allergies, but are not as likely to be identified, as they are commonly blamed on a cold or other malady. Talk with an allergist to determine if symptoms are an allergy or cold.
Cause
According to the Ladies' Home Journal website, it can take years of small exposure to an allergen before the immune system creates enough antibodies to cause allergic reaction symptoms. For example, when someone is exposed to small amounts of ragweed pollen, the immune system attempts to fight the allergen by producing antibodies. After years of exposure, the antibodies may reach the point where they cause enough histamine production that affects the sinuses, eyes and throat.
Symptoms
Common adult allergy symptoms include wheezing, sneezing, nasal congestion, dry cough, watery eyes and cold-like symptoms, according to Boys Town National Research Hospital. Allergy symptoms appear within minutes of exposure to an allergen and will subside shortly after the allergen is removed. Adult allergy symptoms can lead to postnasal drip, sinus headaches and throat irritation.
Types
MSNBC.com states that the most common type of adult onset of allergies are caused by airborne allergens. Airborne allergens include pet dander, dust mites, cockroaches, tree and grass pollen and mold spores. Food allergies are not very common among adults, affecting 4 percent of the adult American population. Other allergic reactions such as hives and asthma may develop in adulthood and are triggered by temperature changes, contact with certain substances such as latex and certain medications.
Treatment
Boys Town National Research Hospital states that treating adult allergies begins with identifying the allergens. Adults suffering from allergies should avoid exposure to all known allergens by staying indoors, avoiding interactions with pets and keeping a clean house. Over-the-counter antihistamines can prevent the body from producing high levels of histamine that lead to common allergy symptoms. Saline nasal sprays are used to moisten and remove any allergens trapped in the sinus cavity.
Considerations
An adult with severe allergies may want to consider allergy shots, according to the Ladies' Home Journal. Allergy shots are administered over a few years and work by desensitizing the immune system's reaction to a particular substance.
