If you wake up feeling lousy, have a runny nose, or your head feels full it may be a cold, or it may be allergies and adult-onset allergies are a real thing that happens to a lot of people.  Nearly 1 in 3 adults in the US have seasonal allergies, eczema, or food allergies, according to recent data from the CDC.  Nearly 75% of those are older than 45.  Many developed allergies in adulthood or were not diagnosed until they were adults. 

Experts are unclear as to why some allergies develop in adulthood.  Some theories include moving from one geographic region to another, having a reduced immune system, or owning a pet for the first time in your life.  There is a belief, that having one severe allergic reaction or symptoms during childhood can increase your chances of developing allergies as an adult. 

Many people who develop allergies in life, usually outgrow their allergies by the time they are in their 20s or 30s.  Breanna Gendron, a nurse practitioner with OSF says it is possible to develop an allergy to something at any point in life.  

Gendron says most people are bothered by things that bloom including trees and grass in the spring. Ragweed pollen or other weed pollen can be problematic in the fall.  Spores from molds and fungi are generally around in warm-weather months and house dust mite allergens can be present throughout the year.  

Most allergies, while annoying are fairly mild such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny nose.  Gendron says more adults suffer from sinus infections with their allergy issues than younger patients.  

Gendron recommends treating allergies with oral antihistamines, eye drops, and steroid nasal sprays.  Allergy shots can be ordered as well, but Gendron suggests talking to your doctor to see if you are a candidate for a skin test to find out what your allergies are.  

Some other things you can do is eliminate carpet in your bedroom, wash your sheets often, take a shower before bedtime, and keep windows closed at night to prevent pollen from entering the home.  

For more information on allergies talk to your primary care physician.