Food allergies are more prevalent than ever. Children are regularly being tested for food allergies and going home with epinephrine prescriptions. This rise in allergies has been rapid, with a 615% increase between 1992 and 2012 in UK hospital visits for anaphylaxis. And this rise may be partially down to the increase in cases of Adult-onset food allergies.
Adult-Onset Food Allergies
We’re amid an upward trend of adult-onset food allergies. This isn’t just adults who have always had a peanut allergy finding out they’re also allergic to almonds. People are developing their first-ever allergies in adulthood, and it’s got scientists a bit baffled.
What’s most surprising is the number of adults who are developing their first allergy in adulthood compared to those who have had allergies since childhood. A US study led by Ruchi S. Gupta, saw 1 in 4 respondents report having developed their first allergy as an adult. This same study found that 48% of all respondents had developed one or more allergies in adulthood. What used to be considered a childhood condition is no longer seen as limited to kids.
The Future is Allergic
It’s predicted that half of the EU population will have an allergy by the year 2025. So, the chances you’ll develop one yourself are about 50/50. Unfortunately, the only way to be sure of whether you have an allergy is through testing and diagnosis. 44% of Britain already endure at least one allergy, so it’s only sensible to get tested before a reaction takes you by surprise.
Staying Safe from Food Allergies
While learning the prevalence of adult-onset food allergies definitely presents a case for allergy testing in general, it also brings retesting into question. If people can develop allergies over time, how can we be certain we haven’t developed an allergy over the years without retesting as an adult? It may be worth considering an allergy test, especially with such a large number of allergy sufferers reporting having acquired new allergies as adults.
