Can You Develop Allergies Later in Life?
Can you acquire allergies later in life? Can allergies get worse with age?
Yes, it is entirely possible to develop allergies later in life, even if you've never had them before. This phenomenon is known as adult-onset allergies. Several factors can contribute to the development of new allergies in adulthood:
Environmental changes: Moving to a new location can expose you to different allergens, such as different types of pollen, mold, or pet dander, which your body may not have encountered before.5
Immune system changes: As you age, your immune system can become more sensitive or may respond differently to allergens.6
Lifestyle changes: Changes in diet, stress levels, and exposure to new substances can also trigger allergic reactions.5,7
Genetic predisposition: If you have a family history of allergies, you may be susceptible to developing them at any age.8
As to whether allergies get worse with age — unfortunately, yes, it’s possible. Allergies in older adults may seem more intense because, with increasing age, various changes in the body can affect how it handles symptoms. Meanwhile, concurrent diseases and the risk of complications tend to increase as well.9
For information on managing allergy symptoms in elderly populations, visit Managing Allergies in Seniors.
Common Allergy Symptoms You May Develop Over Time
Allergy symptoms can vary widely, but some common signs to watch for include:
Sneezing and runny nose: These are classic symptoms of allergic rhinitis, often triggered by pollen, dust, or pet dander.10
Itchy eyes and throat: Allergens can cause irritation in the eyes and throat, leading to itching and discomfort.11
Want to know more? Head here for at-home allergy relief tips and get information on outdoor allergy symptoms and management as well.
When and Why You Should Consider Treating Your Symptoms
If you’re dealing with the above symptoms (and their associated discomfort), it's important to consider treating them.
Untreated allergies may lead to other health issues, such as chronic sinus infections, asthma attacks, and decreased quality of life.10,12 Here are some reasons to seek treatment:
Quality of life: Allergies can significantly impact your day, making it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities, sleep well, or focus on work.
Preventing complications: Treating allergies can help prevent complications like sinus infections and asthma exacerbations.
Identifying triggers: Working with a healthcare provider can help you identify and avoid specific allergens, reducing the frequency and severity of symptoms.
Can allergies go away? It often depends on various factors, but you don't have to endure untreated symptoms — effective management can significantly enhance your day-to-day
Which Allergy Medicine Should I Take?
Consider Adult ZYRTEC® 5mg Tablets
24-hour allergy relief: ZYRTEC® 5mg Tablets provide clear dosing for allergy sufferers 65 years old and older, delivering 24-hour allergy relief.
No interaction with fruit juices or antacids: Unlike some other allergy medications, ZYRTEC® 5mg does not interact with fruit juices or antacids. This means you can enjoy your favorite fruit juices and antacids without worrying about reduced effectiveness of your allergy medication.
ZYRTEC® Allergy Relief Medicine Tablets with 10 mg for More Severe Symptoms
For those under 65 years of age, each tablet contains 10 mg of Cetirizine HCl, an antihistamine that provides relief from severe allergy symptoms for 24 hours. Whether you're dealing with seasonal pollen allergies or indoor triggers like dust and pet dander, these tablets effectively alleviate symptoms such as itchy eyes, sneezing, runny nose, and itchy nose or throat.
For a detailed look at ZYRTEC® vs. other over-the-counter allergy medications, visit this comparison chart.
You Can Conquer Allergies at Any Age
Like you, your allergies can evolve and change over time. By understanding the common symptoms and when to seek treatment, you can take control of your health and enjoy a better quality of life.
No matter when your allergies started, there are effective medications available to help you manage your symptoms. Always consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs.
References:
American Association of Retired Persons. 5 Types of Allergies That Can Become More Common With Age. Accessed February 26, 2025.
Cardona V, Guilarte M, Luengo O, Labrador-Horrillo M, Sala-Cunill A, Garriga T. Allergic diseases in the elderly. Clin Transl Allergy. 2011;1(1):11. Published 2011 Oct 17. doi:10.1186/2045-7022-1-11
Cleveland Clinic. Can You Develop Allergies as an Adult? Accessed February 26, 2025.
Ventura MT, Scichilone N, Paganelli R, et al. Allergic diseases in the elderly: biological characteristics and main immunological and non-immunological mechanisms. Clin Mol Allergy. 2017;15:2. Published 2017 Feb 3. doi:10.1186/s12948-017-0059-2
Cleveland Clinic. Environmental Allergies. Accessed March 20, 2025.
De Martinis M, Sirufo MM, Ginaldi L. Allergy and Aging: An Old/New Emerging Health Issue. Aging Dis. 2017;8(2):162-175. Published 2017 Apr 1. doi:10.14336/AD.2016.0831
Dave ND, Xiang L, Rehm KE, Marshall GD Jr. Stress and allergic diseases. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2011;31(1):55-68. doi:10.1016/j.iac.2010.09.009
Ortiz RA, Barnes KC. Genetics of allergic diseases. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2015;35(1):19-44. doi:10.1016/j.iac.2014.09.014
De Martinis M, Sirufo MM, Ginaldi L. Allergy and Aging: An Old/New Emerging Health Issue. Aging Dis. 2017;8(2):162-175. Published 2017 Apr 1. doi:10.14336/AD.2016.0831
American Academy of Family Physicians. Allergic Rhinitis (Allergies). Accessed February 26, 2025.
Johns Hopkins Medicine. Rhinitis. Accessed February 26, 2025.
Skoner D. Complications of allergic rhinitis. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Accessed February 26, 2025.
Akhouri S, House SA. Allergic Rhinitis. StatPearls Publishing LLC. Accessed February 26, 2025.
Links to other parties’ articles and websites are provided for convenience only. Kenvue is not responsible for their content.
