When to Worry About a Persistent Cough
Are you bothered by a cough that hangs around? If you have a cough that’s lasted several weeks, you need to see a specialist. You could have allergies, asthma, or another undiagnosed illness.
How Environmental Changes Trigger New Adult-Onset Allergies
Are you suddenly sneezing and experiencing allergy symptoms? It’s May, grass pollen is at a peak, while tree pollen is still fairly high.
Perhaps you’ve never experienced an allergic reaction in the spring. It may be a surprise that you can develop allergies to various environmental substances and even foods at any time during your life.
Our board-certified allergists with Advanced Allergy & Asthma can help you nip those symptoms in the bud. First, we find out what substances are causing your allergic reactions. We perform comprehensive blood and skin tests to determine the exact cause of your allergy symptoms. Then, we develop a treatment plan. It may include oral or nasal medications or immunotherapy. You may need allergy shots to help control your new symptoms.
There are several reasons why you may develop allergies as an adult.
Exposure to new environmental flora and fauna
Have you moved to a new geographic area? Flora and fauna in the Southwest US are quite different from other regions. For example, common varieties of olive trees produce significant amounts of pollen. Phoenix and Tucson, AZ have placed restrictions on planting new male olive trees because of high pollen production. The same applies to mulberry trees in some locations.
People in Texas are familiar with "Texas cedar fever" caused by the pollen of mountain cedar and juniper trees. On the other hand, people in the Mid-Atlantic states may develop allergic reactions to the pollen produced by oak, maple, and other common trees in the area.
Pets
Do you suddenly start sneezing, develop a runny nose, or experience watery, itchy eyes when you visit a friend with a dog? As an adult, you can develop an allergy to dogs, cats, and other animals. Proteins in the dog or cat's dead skin cells (dander), saliva, or urine can trigger an allergic reaction.
Changes in the climate
Perhaps your allergy test shows you're now allergic to mold and dust mites. You've never been bothered by them before, so what has changed? Climate change could be the culprit if your winters and summers are warmer and more humid than they used to be. Those conditions increase mold growth and dust mite proliferation.
The number of Americans with bothersome allergy symptoms has increased during the past few decades. Over 25% of adults in the US have seasonal allergies. Record heat has been recorded in most of the past few summers. Warm weather is starting to last longer, causing mold spores and tree pollen to spike, affecting millions of Americans.
Changes in lifestyle
A National Library of Medicine study notes that asthma in children increased exponentially in countries where youngsters spend most of their time indoors. Changes in diet, more exposure to indoor allergens, and other factors could play a role in the uptick.
Changes in food production
Food allergies have increased by 50% since the 1990s. Researchers cite the increased consumption of highly processed foods, which may affect the body's microbiome and trigger changes in the immune system.
If distressing allergy symptoms have upended your life, call Advanced Allergy & Asthma or request an appointment through our online portal today. We have solutions so you can once again enjoy quality of life.
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