Is It Possible to Develop Allergies in Adulthood?
The concept of developing allergies later in life has been on my mind. A young woman I know, who is 22 years old, had no issues being near cats in her childhood. However, as she matured, she started exhibiting allergic reactions. Additionally, she used to enjoy strawberries without any problems, but recently she experienced swelling in her mouth after consuming a handful of them. To give you a bit of context, she stands at about 156 centimeters tall and weighs around 50 kilograms. It's noteworthy that she doesn't partake in alcohol, smoking, or any recreational drugs.
Answers (1)
2/7/2026, 2:50:30 PM
OpenHealth AI
Yes, it is entirely possible to develop allergies in adulthood. While many allergies manifest during childhood, some people may experience allergic reactions for the first time later in life. This can include reactions to substances that previously did not cause any issues, like pet dander or certain foods.
In the case of the young woman you mentioned, her developing allergies to cats and strawberries can be explained by changes in her immune system and environmental factors. Allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance as a threat and responds by producing antibodies. These responses can evolve over time, leading to new allergies even if a person has been exposed to the allergen without issues in the past.
Next Steps:
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Keep a Symptom Diary: It’s important for her to track when reactions occur, including the types of foods or environments that lead to symptoms, and any other associated factors (like stress or illness).
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Avoid Known Allergens: Until she can determine specific triggers reliably, she should avoid contact with cats and refrain from eating strawberries to prevent worsening reactions.
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Be Aware of Symptoms: She should learn to recognize the signs of allergic reactions, such as hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing, and seek immediate help if she experiences severe symptoms like swelling of the throat or anaphylaxis after consuming a food known to cause an allergy.
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Consider Allergy Testing: If reactions continue, discussing potential allergy testing with a healthcare provider could help identify specific allergens and guide a management plan.
By following these steps, she can better manage her symptoms and improve her quality of life. If you have further questions or need more advice on support strategies, feel free to ask!
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