Age and Allergies: What is the deal?

Jul 3

Allergies are a common problem that can affect people of all ages. While allergies can be caused by a variety of factors such as pet dander, mold, dust or pollen, the age of your immune system is an important factor to consider while evaluating the targeted allergens and also the severity of your reactions.

Allergic reactions can cause uncomfortable symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose. If these symptoms have been present for more than 6 months, it is important to check in with your doctor as soon as you develop any symptoms to get a diagnosis and a treatment plan. Persistent allergies, when left untreated, can lead to more serious conditions like chronic sinusitis or asthma, hence, timely intervention is crucial.

If you live in Arizona, healthcare services like AZAllergy offer exactly that and you can get the best help to manage your allergies.

But do allergies go away with age? This is a common question for many people who suffer from allergies. In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and discuss the potential factors that may influence whether or not allergies diminish over time.

UNDERSTANDING ALLERGIES: AN OVERVIEW

Before discussing age’s influence on allergies, it’s important to first understand the basic mechanism behind allergies. Allergies are caused when the body’s immune system overreacts to otherwise harmless substances known as allergens. Common allergens include outdoor allergens like pollen and mold spores. Indoor allergens include dust mites and pet dander, and then there are specific food and drug allergens. Some individuals may even exhibit allergic reactions to insect stings or certain materials like latex.

When the body identifies these allergens, it releases chemicals, including histamines, which lead to the symptoms we associate with allergies.

CAN AGE AFFECT ALLERGIES?

Age plays a critical role in determining the onset, type, and severity of allergies. Factors like a maturing immune system, environmental exposure, and lifestyle habits can significantly impact the occurrence of allergic reactions at different life stages. We’ll look into how age-specific factors influence allergies in children, adolescents, adults, and senior citizens.

Young Children

Children are particularly susceptible to allergies because their immune systems are still developing. This means that they are more likely to have an allergic reaction to things like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. In addition, young children may be more likely to develop food allergies, such as an allergy to peanuts or milk.

Interestingly, the allergies that begin in childhood may persist into adulthood, or they may disappear only to be replaced by different allergies.

Adolescents

Adolescents are more likely to develop seasonal allergies, such as hay fever. This is because their bodies are still developing and their immune systems are more sensitive to environmental triggers. In addition, adolescents may be more likely to develop asthma, which is an allergic reaction to certain triggers.

Adults

Allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and mold are the most common among adults. This is because their immune systems are more mature and can better recognize these allergens. In addition, adults may be more likely to develop food allergies, such as an allergy to shellfish or tree nuts.

Senior Citizens

Senior citizens can also suffer from allergies. In many cases, they may continue to experience allergies they’ve had their entire lives. However, their symptoms may worsen due to an aging immune system and the presence of other chronic health conditions.

WHY DO ALLERGIES GET WORSE WITH AGE?’

The answer depends on multiple factors.

Here are some of the factors that influence the severity of the symptoms:

Changes in the Immune System: As we age, our immune system begins to weaken. This can make it more difficult for the body to fight off allergies. This means that older adults are more likely to experience allergic reactions to everyday substances like pollen and dust.
Loss of Protective Cells: Aging results in our bodies producing fewer natural protective cells, such as T-cells and B-cells. The loss of these cells makes us more vulnerable to allergenic substances.
Exposure to Allergens: Lifestyle or environmental changes can increase our exposure to allergens. Older adults may be more exposed to everyday substances like pollen and dust due to increased time spent outdoors, in dusty or moldy environments, or due to exposure to pets or other animals.
Chronic Conditions: The presence of chronic medical conditions, such as asthma and diabetes, can complicate the body’s response to allergens. This can increase the risk of developing new allergies or worsen existing ones.

STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING ALLERGIES

If you suffer from allergies, it is important to try and manage the symptoms as best as you can. Some of the most helpful things to do are:

Keeping a clean house

A clean house is one of the best ways to manage allergies. It can help to remove any potential allergens from the environment, and it can also help to reduce the amount of pollen that is available to the body.

Getting tested for allergies

Getting tested for allergies can help to identify the specific allergies that are causing problems for you. This can help to improve your overall health by identifying the specific causes of your allergies. Specific tests, such as a Lung Function Test can be particularly useful in diagnosing respiratory allergies such as asthma.

Eat Healthily

Adopting a balanced and nutritious diet can significantly aid in managing allergies. Certain foods have anti-inflammatory properties and can help to fortify the immune system, making the body more capable of dealing with allergens.

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein provides the necessary vitamins and minerals that can potentially alleviate allergy symptoms.

Additionally, staying well-hydrated and avoiding known food allergens is crucial.

CONCLUSION

As seen above, allergies can affect people of all ages, but the prevalence and severity of allergies can vary depending on age. Children are more likely to develop allergies than adults, and the severity of allergies can increase with age.

However, allergies can be managed with proper diagnosis and treatment, and with the right lifestyle changes, people of all ages can live a healthy and allergy-free life.

Our board-certified allergy specialists are here to help with diagnosis and the best treatment plan – get in touch today!