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Most people think of allergies as something that shows up in childhood and fades away with time — but that’s not always the case. At Greater Austin Allergy, we meet countless adults who are surprised to learn that you can actually develop allergies later in life, or see long-standing allergy symptoms shift, intensify, or suddenly become harder to manage.

If you’ve been wondering, “Why am I reacting to things I never used to?”, you’re not alone. As we age, the immune system changes—sometimes becoming less predictable—and that can influence how seasonal allergies, food allergies, drug allergies, and environmental allergies show up. This is often due to the aging immune system, which can alter immune function in older adults and affect how allergies develop or persist.

Let’s break down why allergies can change over time, what symptoms to look for, and how we help patients find relief at any age.

Why Allergies Can Appear (or Reappear) Later in Life

Yes, adult-onset allergies are real—and more common than ever. Think of your immune system as a lifelong learner. Over years of exposure to pollen, dust mites, pet dander, animal dander, or even certain foods, the immune system can suddenly decide these harmless substances are threats. Allergies develop at any age, so even adults who have never had allergies before can experience them later in life. Developing allergies is unpredictable, and symptoms can appear unexpectedly, even in older adults. An allergy occurs when the immune system overreacts to a harmless substance, treating it as a threat and triggering symptoms.

A few reasons this happens:

1. Immune system changes

As the immune system ages, it doesn’t necessarily weaken—but it can become more reactive in unexpected ways. This change can make conditions like allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and food allergies more noticeable or more bothersome.

2. New environments → new triggers

A move to Texas, a new pet, a moldy office space, or even a change in daily habits can introduce allergens your body hasn’t dealt with before. Encountering these new allergens can sometimes result in developing a new allergy.

3. Hormones, stress, and lifestyle shifts

Stress releases hormones that can influence inflammation, and many adults experiencing environmental changes, menopause, or chronic stress find themselves reacting to allergens they previously tolerated.

4. Digestive changes as we age

This can affect how the body handles certain foods, leading to adult-onset food allergies or sensitivities that were never an issue before.

As we age, changes in the digestive tract can alter immune responses, increasing the likelihood of developing new food allergies.

Common Allergies in Adulthood

Allergic diseases are not one-size-fits-all, and adults can experience a wide range of reactions. Elderly people may be at higher risk for developing allergies or experiencing more severe symptoms due to changes in the immune system associated with aging.

Seasonal allergies (hay fever)

Triggered by grass pollen, mold, or tree pollen. Symptoms may include:

• runny nose or nasal congestion
• itchy eyes
• sneezing
• sinus pressure

Food allergies

Tree nuts, shellfish, and other certain foods are common triggers. Adults can also experience developing food allergies, which may occur due to changes in the immune system over time.

Adult food allergy reactions may show up as:

• hives
• digestive problems
• swelling
• stuffy nose
• or, in rare cases, a severe allergic reaction like anaphylaxis

Some food allergies can cause serious reactions, including an anaphylactic reaction, which is a life threatening and potentially life threatening condition.

Skin allergies

Atopic dermatitis and other skin allergies can flare up due to immune shifts or environmental allergens.

Drug allergies

Some adults develop reactions to medications or topical medications they once tolerated with no problem.

Repeated exposure to certain medications over time can increase the risk of developing drug allergies.

Insect allergies

Reactions to stings or bites can intensify with age—even if you’ve never reacted before.

Recognizing New or Changing Allergy Symptoms

Because allergy symptoms can overlap with colds or sinus infections, they’re easy to miss. It may take repeated exposure to certain allergens before individuals develop symptoms, and these symptoms can change or intensify over time. Look for patterns such as:

• chronic nasal congestion or runny nose at the same time each year
• itchy eyes or watery eyes indoors
• coughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing
• unexplained rashes or hives
• digestive reactions after eating certain foods

And of course, if you ever experience swelling, throat tightness, or dizziness, seek immediate help—those can be signs of a serious reaction.

Why Allergy Symptoms Can Get Worse with Age

If it feels like your allergies have become more disruptive, you’re not imagining it. As people age, changes in immune responses and immune systems can contribute to the persistence or worsening of existing allergies.

Allergy symptoms can intensify over time due to a combination of factors, including the natural aging process, which affects how the body reacts to allergens. Other factors, such as environmental exposures and health conditions, can also influence allergy severity in older adults.

Cumulative exposure

Years of breathing indoor allergens—dust mites, pet dander, mold—can make the immune system more sensitive.

Stronger environmental factors

Texas pollen seasons aren’t exactly gentle. Higher counts and longer seasons can amplify seasonal allergies.

Immune shifts

Sometimes the immune system overreacts; other times it underreacts. Changes in a person’s immune system over time can influence their susceptibility to allergies. Either way, the imbalance increases the likelihood of developing new allergies or noticing an existing allergy becoming more severe.

Other health conditions

Autoimmune diseases, hormonal changes, and certain medications can affect how the immune system responds to allergens.

All of these factors can lead to more noticeable—and sometimes more persistent—allergy symptoms.

Diagnosing Allergies as an Adult

If you’re suddenly experiencing allergy symptoms, allergy testing can answer the big questions:

• What exactly is triggering the reaction?
• Are the symptoms related to seasonal allergies?
• Is it an environmental allergy or food allergy?
• Could drug allergies be playing a role?

An allergy test—such as a skin test or other diagnostic tests—helps identify your specific allergy triggers and differentiates allergies from other conditions.

At Greater Austin Allergy, we use a combination of skin tests and blood tests as diagnostic tools to create a clear picture of what your immune system is responding to. From there, we tailor treatment toward your lifestyle, health history, and goals.

If you suspect you have allergies, consider consulting your primary care physician for an initial evaluation and referral for allergy testing if needed.

Managing Allergies as You Age

Good news: You do not have to “just deal with it.” With the right plan, allergy symptoms are absolutely manageable.

Treatment options may include:

• Allergy medications: non-drowsy antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays, and eye drops
• Topical medications for skin allergies and atopic dermatitis
• Allergen avoidance strategies for dust mites, pet dander, and high pollen days
• Allergy shots (immunotherapy) to retrain your immune system
• Lifestyle changes to help reduce flare-ups, including stress management and sleep support

For food allergies or drug allergies, we’ll guide you through safe options and prevention steps to avoid adverse reactions.

Why Treating Allergies Matters

Untreated allergies aren’t just annoying—they can affect your quality of life. Ongoing nasal congestion, itchy eyes, skin rashes, or chronic respiratory symptoms can impact:

• sleep
• productivity
• mood
• energy levels

Untreated allergies can also affect the respiratory system, leading to chronic breathing issues.

And if left unmanaged, allergic diseases can sometimes increase the risk of asthma or more severe symptoms.

Proper diagnosis and ongoing care make all the difference.

When to See a Greater Austin Allergy Specialist

If allergies are interrupting your sleep, workday, social life, or overall comfort, it’s time to get answers. Our providers specialize in uncovering the “why,” identifying risk factors, and building a personalized plan that helps you regain control.

Helping You Stay Healthy — at Every Age

At Greater Austin Allergy, we understand the unique challenges adults face when it comes to allergies and aging. Whether you’re noticing new food allergies, experiencing seasonal allergies for the first time, or dealing with environmental allergies that seem to worsen every year, we’re here to help you breathe easier and live comfortably.

Ready for relief? Schedule your comprehensive allergy evaluation today.