Understanding Allergies in Adults and Children
The immune system you’re born with can change over time, which helps explain why adults are not immune to first-time allergies. While the exact mechanisms behind adult-onset allergies are not fully understood, research shows that these cases are becoming increasingly common. Many people assume that if they reach adulthood without developing allergy symptoms, they’re “out of the woods.” However, allergies can still appear later in life. If you’re searching for an allergy doctor near me in Dubai , Dr. Ahmed El-Rafei, who has 35 years of experience in the field of allergy and bronchial asthma, treats both adults and children above age of 2 years . You can book your allergy consultation with Dr. Rafei for personalized care. Other than the age at which symptoms first appear, adult and childhood allergies are quite similar, and their symptoms and treatment approaches are generally the same.
Children and allergies
A child’s immune system is active from birth, helping them react to everyday substances safely. Children with close relatives who have allergies have a higher chance of developing them. Typically, allergy symptoms appear between ages 5 and 16. When one parent has allergies, the child has about a 25% chance of developing them, and this increases to 50% if both parents are affected. Identifying allergies early and taking proper steps can improve a child’s health and quality of life. Identifying and treating allergies early can significantly improve your child’s quality of life. It is advisable for parents to consult a specialist like Dr. Ahmed El Rafei for professional Allergy Treatment for Pediatric in Dubai to manage symptoms and ensure their child’s well-being.
Most Common Childhood Allergies
Children can develop allergies to almost any substance, but the most common ones include:
- Food allergies
- Skin allergies
- Indoor allergies
- Seasonal allergies
- Pet allergies
Symptoms to watch for include:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy skin or rashes
- Red or watery eyes
- Hives
- Abdominal bloating or diarrhea
Allergies That Often Appear in Adulthood
Even if you’ve never experienced allergies before, it’s possible for them to develop later in life. Adults, much like children, can become sensitive to a variety of substances. At our clinic, we see many patients who experience allergies for the first time as adults. The most common new allergies in adulthood are related to certain foods or seasonal triggers, while skin allergies are less frequent but can still occur.
Food Allergies That Start in Adulthood
- Seafood
- Nuts (including peanuts and tree nuts)
- Sesame
For comparison, children are more often allergic to foods such as milk, peanuts, eggs, soy, and wheat. Adult allergens like shellfish and tree nuts are particularly important to watch out for because they can trigger serious reactions, including anaphylaxis or angioedema, which require immediate medical attention.
Conclusion
Allergies are often straightforward to diagnose. Dr. Ahmed El-Rafei can identify the cause of your symptoms using a skin test and may recommend additional tests to confirm a suspected allergy. By combining these results with a detailed medical and symptom history, he can provide an accurate diagnosis. Keeping a daily journal of symptoms for a few weeks before your appointment can also be very helpful. Relief from allergy symptoms is possible, and the first step is scheduling a consultation with a specialist. If you or your children are experiencing signs of an allergy, book an appointment with Dr. Ahmed El-Rafei by calling our clinic. We are ready to guide you through effective allergy management and help you regain comfort and peace of mind.