Allergies and Aging: What Causes them to get Worse?

Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to a foreign substance, such as pollen, pet or cat dander, or certain foods, that doesn’t cause a reaction in most people. They are a misfiring of the immune system’s defense mechanism where substances are mistaken for harmful invaders and cause the body to launch an attack and create symptoms ranging from mild, such as sneezing or itching, to severe, such as difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis.

So as we get older, we may ask how this process changes. Research suggests that some adults may outgrow certain allergies, while others may find their symptoms intensifying or unfortunately find that they are developing new allergies as they age.

But why? Three main factors can be blamed, including 1) changes in the immune system’s efficiency, 2) hormonal changes, and 3) increased exposure to allergens from lifestyle factors.

Changes in Our Immune System’s

Aging declines our immune system, known as immunosenescence, and makes us more susceptible to developing or worsening existing allergies. These changes in our immune system can not only make us more sensitive to allergens that we were previously able to tolerate without issue.. “As we age, our immune systems get weaker, putting older Americans at higher risk for disease, including allergic reactions,” according to Dr. Tiffany Owens, an allergist at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

Hormonal Changes

As we age, we may experience hormonal fluctuations, such as those occurring during menopause in women and andropause in men, which can modulate our body’s response and our allergic responses. These hormonal shifts can affect the immune system’s regulation, leading to increased inflammation or changes in how the body reacts to allergens, increasing sensitivity toward allergens, or worsening existing allergy symptoms.

Increased Exposure to Allergens

As we get older, we are cumulatively exposed to more and more allergens, making our bodies become more vulnerable to these irritants. With an increased exposure history, we get increased sensitivity; the longer you are exposed to an allergen, the higher your chances of developing an allergy, leading to more severe allergic reactions over time. Certain medicines taken by older individuals may further intensify allergies. This coupled with certain environmental factors, such as pollution, makes it even more of a challenge for aging individuals already plagued with allergies.

Moreover, environmental factors, including moving or changing geographical locations throughout your lifespan, can expose you to new allergens, potentially triggering new allergies or intensifying existing ones. Environmental pollutants too such as air pollution are also known to exacerbate pre-existing health concerns or chronic conditions, including allergies, in older individuals. Hence, as the climate continues to change, shifts in weather patterns, pollution levels, and the distribution of allergenic plants and pollen can significantly impact the prevalence and severity of allergies in the aging population.

Overall, as our immunity levels diminish with the advancing years, it can become increasingly difficult for our body’s natural defense system to adequately guard us against allergic reactions that were easier to defend against when we were younger. To reduce the severity of allergy symptoms, it is important to understand your individual triggers and how to tailor treatments to best fit your needs.

What Specific Allergies Change With Age?

Out of all of the types of allergies, you may wonder what kinds of allergic reactions may worsen or become more prevalent as we grow older? First, respiratory allergies, such as those triggered by pollen or dust, can become more severe due to prolonged exposure and cumulative damage to the respiratory system over time. Similarly, food allergies, while commonly associated with childhood, can either persist into adulthood or manifest newly in older age, sometimes with increased severity. Interestingly, skin allergies, such as contact dermatitis, may also see a change in frequency or severity due to changes in skin condition and immune response as one ages.

When it comes to the development of new allergies, this phenomenon is influenced by various factors, including environmental exposure, underlying health conditions, and the natural aging of the immune system as we have mentioned. These late-onset allergies can present unique challenges for diagnosis and management, partly because they may be mistaken for other age-related health issues.

Managing Allergies in Later Life

Managing allergies in later life involves several factors from lifestyle adjustments, dietary considerations, to implementing targeted medications.. First, lifestyle changes, such as improving indoor air quality through the use of air purifiers, reducing exposure to known allergens, engaging in yoga and mindfulness techniques, and more can significantly mitigate the impact of allergies. Secondly, dietary modifications can involve incorporating anti-inflammatory foods, increasing your intake of probiotics and prebiotics, and eliminating potential allergens. These changes can greatly assist with managing symptoms and improving overall health. Lastly, tailoring our allergy treatment strategies from using over-the-counter remedies to more targeted prescription medications or immunotherapy, depending on the severity and type of allergies you experience, can allow you to approach your symptoms with a more holistic approach.

Healthcare providers may also recommend specific tests or diagnostics for older adults to accurately identify allergens and evaluate their  immune system’s response, which can help in developing an effective treatment plan that addresses both the symptoms and the underlying causes of allergic reactions. Preventive measures such as regular health check-ups and vaccinations can help reduce the risk of allergies worsening as we age and managing stress can also be beneficial as stress can exacerbate allergy symptoms. Overall here are some of our recommended tips and tricks for managing your symptoms as you age: 

Medical Intervention

• Regular Health Check-ups: Schedule annual appointments with a healthcare provider to monitor allergy symptoms and adjust treatments as necessary.
• Tailored Medication Plans: Work with doctors to tailor medication plans that consider age-related changes in metabolism and potential interactions with other medications.
• Stay Informed about Vaccinations: Consult healthcare providers about vaccinations that can help prevent respiratory illnesses exacerbating allergy symptoms.
• Consult Allergy Specialists: Seek specialized care from allergists for comprehensive allergy testing and management plans, especially for complex or severe cases.

Lifestyle Changes

• Allergen Avoidance: Identify and minimize exposure to known allergens, particularly indoor allergens like dust mites and pet dander.
• Physical Activity: Engage in regular, moderate exercise to boost overall health and immune function, tailored to any physical limitations.
• Stress Management: Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to help manage stress-related allergy flare-ups.
• Educate on New Allergies: Stay informed about the potential development of new allergies and the signs to watch for, ensuring prompt treatment.
• Wear Protective Gear: Use masks and gloves when doing activities that could expose you to allergens, such as gardening or cleaning.
• Dietary Adjustments: Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods and consider a diet that supports a healthy immune system, possibly integrating probiotics and prebiotics.

Air and Home Improvement

• Improve Indoor Air Quality: Use air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters to reduce allergen levels indoors.
• Regular Cleaning: Maintain a regular cleaning schedule to reduce the accumulation of allergens in the living space.
• Home Environment Control: Keep windows closed during high pollen seasons and reduce humidity in the home to control mold and dust mites.

Other Considerations and Air Purifiers

Distinguishing between indoor and outdoor allergens is important for older adults who may spend more time indoors and thus be more exposed to indoor allergens such as dust mites, mold, and pet dander. This heightened exposure can exacerbate respiratory conditions that affect people like asthma, which often coexists with allergies, and the aging immune system’s altered response to these allergens can lead to increased sensitivity and more severe allergic reactions, making effective management of indoor air quality necessary for this situation.

Moreover, comorbid conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, and diabetes, commonly found in older adults, complicate the management and severity of allergies. These conditions can exacerbate the symptoms of allergies and vice versa, creating a challenging cycle of symptom management. For instance, allergies can trigger respiratory symptoms that worsen COPD outcomes, while medications for comorbid conditions may interact with allergy treatments, suggesting the complexity of this issue.

This is where air purifiers come into play. These devices work by filtering and removing particles from the air, including common allergens such as dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores. For older adults, which we have learned whose immune systems can become more sensitive with age, reducing the concentration of these allergens in their living environment with this tool can significantly alleviate allergy symptoms.

Beyond simple allergen reduction, these devices can also help to further lung functioning and prevent the exacerbation of respiratory conditions like asthma, and air purifiers equipped with HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are capable of capturing particles as small as 0.3 microns with a 99.97% efficiency, making them extremely effective in purifying the air of almost all allergenic particles. With all of these considerations, here are our top recommendations for air purifiers to benefit you throughout your lifetime:

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Worsening Allergies With Age

Do allergies always get worse with age?

No, allergies do not necessarily get worse with age. However, the severity of allergic reactions may increase as a person ages due to changes in the immune system and increased exposure to allergens over time. Some individuals may experience more intense allergic reactions as they age due to new allergies or increased sensitivities to multiple factors.

Can food allergies get worse as you get older?

Yes, food allergies can worsen as you age. As people age, their immune systems may become more reactive to allergens, potentially resulting in the worsening of existing food allergies or the development of new ones. Some individuals may acquire allergies as they age due to changes in their environment or lifestyle.

Do allergies worsen the more they occur?

Yes, allergies can get worse the more they occur. Continuous contact with certain allergens can lead to a lasting heightened sensitivity, causing the symptoms of an allergic reaction to become more severe.

Managing Age-Related Allergies

It is important for seniors and those with elderly family members to be mindful of seasonal allergies and the potential risks associated with the aging-related worsening of allergies. Taking preventative measures such as avoiding exposure to known triggers and treating existing symptoms promptly will help reduce the risk of developing or worsening allergies.

Final Thought

The progression of allergies with age is influenced by various factors, including immune system changes, exposure to different allergens, and individual health conditions, suggesting the need for personalized allergy management strategies. As allergies can evolve, increasing in severity or changing in nature, managing your symptoms becomes important for improving your quality of life as you age. By integrating both traditional and emerging therapies, tailored to your individual’s health profile, and making lifestyle adjustments to mitigate allergen exposure, you can get ahead of allergies, whether pollen allergies, food allergies, and more throughout your lifetime.

References:

1. De Martinis M, Sirufo MM, Viscido A, Ginaldi L. Food Allergies and Ageing. Int J Mol Sci. 2019;20(22):5580. Published 2019 Nov 8. doi:10.3390/ijms20225580
2. Lau S, Matricardi PM, Wahn U, Lee YA, Keil T. Allergy and atopy from infancy to adulthood: Messages from the German birth cohort MAS. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2019;122(1):25-32. doi:10.1016/j.anai.2018.05.012