Filed in archive Hay Fever by ruth on August 8, 2007

I know a lot of people who used to say that they don't have allergies suddenly get sneezing fits and rashes after exposure to things that were previously harmless. The refuse to believe that an allergy can be acquired, or better to say, manifested, later in life, even after repeated exposures that did not elicit a reaction. This is called adult-onset allergies. According to allergist Dr. Fred Virant:

[snip] genetics play a big role in determining when allergies will surface.

Fred Virant, M.D.: "There's probably seven or eight genes involved and obviously, that child that has more trouble has them all switched on."

Doctor Virant says adults who suddenly find themselves suffering from allergies only have one or two of those genes switched on. Often it's a simple change that triggers a reaction.

Fred Virant, M.D.: "They just got a new pet, or they've moved to a new area."

This also busts the myth that repeated exposure to an allergen-whether they are pollen, food or insect stings- will eventually make you "immune" and help you overcome your allergies. In fact, if you have the genetic predisposition to having allergies, repeated exposure will just increase the likelihood of your allergies manifesting.

Related Entries:

Adult-Onset Allergies and Oral-Allergy Syndrome - 22 April 2006
Cleanaer Liquid Ionizer Can Reduce Pollen, Dust and Cat Alle... - 08 December 2006
5 Ways to Minimize Indoor Allergies - 26 October 2007
Christmas Trees and Indoor Allergies - 15 November 2007
Hypoallergenic Flooring to Reduce Indoor Allergies - 13 February 2008
'Allergies Are No Laughing Matter' Campaign - 05 March 2008
NY Times Health Guide on (Nasal) Allergies - 07 July 2008

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Permalink: Adult-Onset Allergies

Tags: hay+fever allergies pollen+allergies allergy food adult+onset onset+allergies

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Vote for Adult-Onset Allergies:

Currently 9.33/10
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Rating: 9.33 out of 3 vote(s) cast.

Response from: Linda (08/03/09 3:45am)

I started developing allergies at 33.They are getting worse year by year. I am now allergic to most things that grow and all animals,dust and dust mites,mold and mold spores. My symptoms are runny nose, nasal congestion,fatigue,sneezing,coughing,chest tightness,dizziness, all over itching,severe itching eyes,throat and ears. I cannot take allergy medication due to my inner ear disorder medication. I was born in West Texas and lived in Florida for 15 years without allergies. Moved to South Georgia and that's when the allergies started developing. However my husband who suffered severe allergies his whole life is having less allergies now.

Response from: universityupdate.com