Developing allergies later in life — and what to do about it

If youre an adult who doesnt suffer from allergies congratulations!
But dont celebrate just yet. Those nasty symptoms itchy eyes runny nose nasal congestion sneezing and coughing might still be in your future.
While about 80 of people with allergies acquire them during childhood allergies can also develop later in life
What are allergies?
An allergy occurs when a persons body is exposed to something and their immune system sees it as a foreign invader and has an overactive response Kaylene said. The body produces antibodies to fight the substance which triggers the allergy symptoms.

These invaders are things that would never actually cause harm such as pollen animal dander dust mites medications and latex. Theyre things that most peoples bodies tolerate just fine and have no problems. But for unknown reasons some people either have an allergic reaction during childhood or later as an adult.
Seasonal and perennial allergies
You can develop allergies no matter where you live and about 20 of adults suffer from one or more types. Inhalant allergies are caused by things people breathe in and there are two types seasonal and perennial.
Seasonal allergies only occur during specific times of the year. While people can be allergic to certain trees and grasses yearround the pollen from these plants is the allergen the substance causing the allergic reaction that brings seasonal discomfort. Once the pollination season is complete and the pollen dissipates allergy symptoms tend to subside.
How long seasonal allergies last depends on where you live. For example the three main allergy seasons in the Midwestern United States are
April and May When trees pollinate
May June and early July When grasses pollinate
Late August September and early October When ragweed pollinates
Perennial allergies can occur yearround and are caused by things like
Animal dander
Dust and dust mites
Indoor mold
Perennial allergies can actually be worse during the winter months because