While many people think food allergies only affect children, that’s not accurate. As a result, when an adult first experiences symptoms associated with one of the common food allergies, it can come as a real surprise. And if you’ve been eating that same food with no issues for years, you may not even suspect that the issue could be the food itself. So what’s going on—is it actually possible for adults in Atlanta to develop a food allergy later in life?
Can Adults Develop Food Allergies?
Food allergies can develop during adulthood, even if you have previously consumed the food without a reaction. A situation like this can occur when the immune system begins to identify particular food proteins as harmful, then triggers an allergic reaction in response. Researchers are still working to understand exactly why this happens, though a number of factors may contribute, including immune system changes, hormone fluctuations, gut health and exposure to new foods.
According to a JAMA Network study, an estimated 10.8% of U.S. adults have a food allergy. Nearly half of those adults developed at least one food allergy after childhood. This shows that developing a food allergy during adulthood is more common than many people realize. Understanding why a food allergy develops and how food allergies are managed can help reduce the risk of future reactions.
What to Know About Adult Food Allergies
Naturally, adult-onset food allergies won’t be the same for everyone. Factors such as what food allergy symptoms look like, then determining the best treatment options, will vary from patient to patient. Here are some of the details you should know about adult food allergies.
Factors That May Increase the Risk of Adult Food Allergies
Various factors can influence why adults develop food allergies, though what has changed in the person (or the food) to cause the reaction to appear is often unknown. The immune system does change with age, and this can reduce tolerance to certain foods. In other cases, the trigger is more simple, like trying a new food (such as a specific type of shellfish) for the first time. Genetics and hormones may also be involved, but no single factor explains every case.
Common Food Allergies That Affect Adults
While almost any food could trigger a reaction, some foods are identified as the “problem food” more frequently than others. In fact, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts and sesame are among the most diagnosed food allergies in adults. In contrast, the most common foods affecting young children, such as milk and eggs, are much less likely to develop in adulthood.
Symptoms of Adult Food Allergies
Experiencing food allergy symptoms for the first time as an adult may be confusing. Look out for some common signs that usually occur within minutes of eating a certain food. These symptoms include coughing, wheezing, stomach pain, hives and itching. In the most severe case you could experience anaphylaxis, a condition that requires an immediate emergency response.
How Adult Food Allergies Are Diagnosed
Adult-onset food allergies are usually diagnosed using a combination of professional allergy testing and a review of symptoms and medical history. Your allergist will assess factors like the timing of your symptoms and the potential trigger foods that were involved. If an allergy is suspected, your allergist can then perform skin prick testing, blood testing, or an oral food challenge to see how your immune system responds to allergens.
Best Food Allergy Treatment for Adults in Atlanta
Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center provides food allergy testing and treatment services for adults and children. Our experienced allergists are available at food allergy treatment centers across the Atlanta area. To learn more, call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment.
