OpenHealth Q&A

Do Allergies Emerge Suddenly or Intensify Over Time?

I am a 36-year-old woman, weighing 130 pounds, a non-smoker, and I abstain from alcohol as well. Just to let you know, I have an allergist/immunologist and carry an EpiPen with me. For most of my life, I have dealt with an overly responsive immune system, which has led to conditions like psoriasis, occasional viral infections that often require steroid treatment, and a severe reaction to bee stings known as serum sickness. Despite these challenges, I have remained free from allergies for roughly 40 years. In recent years, I have been using Xolair to help manage episodes of hives and angioedema, which likely stem from my hyperactive immune response. I underwent skin testing to identify potential food allergies, but thankfully, there were no reactions noted. Admittedly, I have mostly come to terms with not knowing the underlying reasons for these issues. A few months ago, during a routine appointment, my allergist decided to order several blood tests. Their rationale was that if my condition were idiopathic, it should have resolved itself by now. Alongside this, I have started experiencing sinus problems and gastrointestinal (GI) issues that I didn’t have before, which include inflammation rather than congestion, and I have noticed blood and mucus in my stools. My GI specialist suspects I may have mild Crohn's disease, a condition my mother has battled, and I’ve been extensively examined. I didn’t dwell too much on the results of the blood tests; it felt like just another chapter in my ongoing saga. However, a few weeks ago, I began to have persistent sinus pain daily. This discomfort was not accompanied by congestion, only painful inflammation. That’s when I realized that this pain coincided with episodes of flushing. While I have type 1 rosacea, the episodes I experienced involved a rapid onset of dark red flushing on my face, a significant sensation of pressure in my eyes, tingling lips without swelling, and an overall feeling of being unwell. It reminded me of the reaction I’d get from a bee sting, where I felt overwhelmed by discomfort, only for it to dissipate after a while. These experiences occurred once or twice each day. I received a prescription for prednisone from my primary care physician, which offered relief for about two days before the symptoms returned. Eventually, I correlated these reactions with consuming milk chocolate chips. I had noticed similar symptoms at other times, but the chocolate was a consistent trigger. Thinking that chocolate is known for causing various reactions, I revisited my blood tests from four months prior. My doctor highlighted that there were allergy antibodies present for milk and its derivatives, and was borderline for egg allergies. At first, I assumed that meant I would have to cope with something like lactose intolerance, which many people experience. So, the question persists: can an allergy remain dormant only to emerge suddenly and perhaps worsen over time? While I have always experienced an itchy throat and facial flushing after consuming certain foods, particularly cheese, this new reaction feels distinctly different.

Answers (1)

2/6/2026, 8:11:11 PM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to be concerned about sudden changes in your body's reactions to food, especially given your history with allergies and immune responses. Yes, allergies can indeed remain dormant and then emerge suddenly or intensify over time, which appears to be what you may be experiencing.

Explanation

Allergies are linked to how your immune system responds to certain substances. It's not uncommon for individuals to develop new allergies later in life, potentially due to changes in the immune system, genetics, or environmental factors. The symptoms you’re experiencing—sinus pain, flushing, and gastrointestinal issues—could be related to an emerging food allergy, especially considering the presence of antibodies in your blood tests for milk and its derivatives.

Certain foods can trigger reactions more strongly in those with a history of hyperreactive immune responses, even if you didn’t show clear symptoms previously. The fact that you've correlated your symptoms with milk chocolate chips adds weight to the idea that you might be experiencing a new sensitivity or allergy.

Next Steps

1. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your food intake and any reactions you experience. Note the timing, severity, and nature of any symptoms. This can help you identify patterns and potential triggers.

2. Elimination Diet: Consider eliminating milk and chocolate from your diet for a while to see if your symptoms improve. Reintroduce them one at a time under controlled conditions to observe any adverse reactions.

3. Communicate with Your Allergist: Share your findings and concerns with your allergist. They may recommend further testing, such as skin prick tests or food challenge tests, to get a clearer understanding of your reactions.

4. Stay Prepared: Given your history, ensure you always carry your EpiPen, especially when consuming foods outside your home. Educate those around you about your allergies to enhance your safety.

5. Follow Up on GI Symptoms: Since you mentioned gastrointestinal issues, continue collaborating with your GI specialist to monitor your health regarding potential Crohn's disease and its management.

It's important to remain proactive about your health while also being kind to yourself during this process. If you notice any significant or alarming changes, don’t hesitate to reach out for immediate assistance. You're taking valuable steps toward understanding and managing these new developments.