If you have developed a food allergy in your adult years, you’re not alone. In a 2019 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), almost 6% of over 40,000 U.S. adults who participated in the study reported acquiring a new food allergy during adulthood. That translates to almost 20 million American adults who develop a new food allergy as an adult, based on the 2022 U.S. population estimate of 333.3 million by the Census Bureau. For most of them, the sudden onset of food allergies was surprising and difficult to navigate. In this post, we’ll discuss adult-onset food allergies, offering guidance for those who are affected and actionable steps they can take to reduce symptoms and live without fear of an allergy-related emergency room visit.
The Emergence of Adult-Onset Food Allergies
We used to believe that food allergies mainly affected children and that they outgrew them as they entered adulthood, but in recent years that has proven to be untrue. Adult-onset food allergies can be just as severe and dangerous as a child’s food allergies and can significantly affect their quality of life. Great care must be taken once food allergies are identified, regardless of age, to avoid the offending foods and manage symptoms.
Common Triggers and Symptoms
Just like in children, the most common food allergens for adults are shellfish, nuts, dairy, eggs, fish, and some fruits and vegetables. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and usually include:
- Itching
- Swelling
- Difficulty breathing
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Allergy sufferers may experience all of the symptoms or just some of them. In cases of severe reactions, food allergies can cause anaphylaxis, which can be fatal if immediate medical attention is not sought.
Diagnosis and Management
If you believe you have developed a new food allergy as an adult, it is crucial that you schedule an appointment with a qualified allergist, like those here at Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates of Tampa Bay. When you choose us for your adult-onset food allergy care, we’ll begin with a thorough assessment of your past and current health status, a comprehensive physical examination, and allergy testing to identify triggers.
Once we’ve identified the food allergens that are responsible for your symptoms, we’ll work with you to develop an allergy management plan that fits your needs and lifestyle. Avoiding allergens is the primary strategy we use to control allergic responses, so we’ll pile on the education about which foods and beverages (and possibly other items) contain your specific trigger(s). We’ll discuss cross-contamination and how to prevent it, how to vet restaurants for food allergens, grocery shopping basics, and how to navigate parties and other social gatherings. We’ll also prescribe you an epinephrine auto-injector if we feel that you are at risk of anaphylaxis, and teach you and your loved ones how to use it properly.
Lifestyle Changes
People can often feel overwhelmed when first learning about the lifestyle changes that come along with adult-onset food allergies. That’s why we offer support and resources to help make those changes easier to manage, taking baby steps until you’re able to handle your allergies like a pro. We also encourage all of our patients to take advantage of local support groups and engage in educational events related to food allergies. While your new food allergy may mean you can’t order your favorite dish anymore, we can promise you that you’ll be able to find alternatives to your favorites that you’ll love.
The Role of Immunotherapy
Several immunotherapy options are available for patients with food allergies, including oral immunotherapy and allergy shots. These treatments expose the patient to tiny amounts of the substances that trigger their allergies over a period of time, slowly desensitizing them to the allergens. Immunotherapy has offered many patients much-needed relief from allergy symptoms and allowed them to finally live a life without fear of a sudden allergy attack.
Adult-Onset Food Allergy Treatment in Tampa Bay
Are you suffering from adult-onset food allergies in Tampa Bay? Do you need help understanding your new allergies and finding healthy, reasonable ways to manage them? Then schedule an appointment at Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates of Tampa Bay. Our knowledgeable and talented team will help you gain control of your allergies and your life with evidence-based treatments and tailored advice. Call us at 813-971-9743 for more information or to schedule an appointment today.
