Allergies Aren’t Just for Kids: What Adults Should Know (and How Treatment Can Help)

When we talk about allergies, a lot of the conversation tends to center around children—their back-to-school needs, food allergies in the classroom, and helping parents keep kids safe. But allergies are not limited to children, and in fact, adults can experience symptoms that are just as disruptive. Sometimes even more so, because symptoms can overlap with other health issues. If you’ve been merely tolerating your allergies, it’s time to think differently.

Do Allergies Get Worse as You Age?

Sometimes yes. Allergies in adults can evolve and change over time. You may develop new sensitivities or notice that old triggers (dust, mold, pets, pollen) hit you harder as your immune system changes over time. Also, cumulative exposure over many years can contribute to inflammation. If allergies go untreated, they can contribute to sinus issues, worsening asthma, or chronic nasal problems.

On the other hand, not everyone’s allergies worsen—many adults maintain stable symptoms, especially if they use environmental controls, medications, or have had treatment.

What Is Immunotherapy and Why It Helps Adults

Allergen Immunotherapy (shots, tablets, and drops) is more than relief for symptoms. It actually trains the immune system to tolerate allergens better over time instead of just masking symptoms. Evidence shows that adults benefit from immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis/conjunctivitis, allergic asthma, and insect sting hypersensitivity.

Immunotherapy tends to be a multi-year commitment (commonly 3-5 years for shots) but patients ultimately see lasting relief, reduced medication needs, fewer exacerbations, and improved quality of life.

What to Consider When Deciding on Treatment

Severity & Impact: How bad are your symptoms? Do they affect sleep, work, or daily tasks even with medications or avoidance?

Existing Treatments’ Effectiveness: If over-the-counter meds, nasal sprays, or antihistamines aren’t doing enough, immunotherapy may be the next step.

Time & Commitment: Immunotherapy requires regular appointments (for shots or drops), as well as staying consistent with dosing. It takes at least 6 months of treatment to appreciate improvements in symptoms.

Safety & Medical History: Adults with certain conditions (heart disease, immune issues) should discuss risks with their allergist. Side effects tend to be mild for many people, though, when done properly.

Taking Control: What You Should Do

Identify your specific triggers by getting evaluated by a board-certified specialist at Advanced Specialty Care. Your provider will discuss personalized treatment plans that combine immunotherapy with environmental controls (air filters, reducing exposure) and symptom relief (medications, nasal sprays).

At Advanced Specialty Care, our Allergy & Asthma specialists treat both pediatric and adult patients with a full range of allergen sensitivities—including tree, stinging insect, nut, and more—so that allergies don’t hold your life back.

If your allergy symptoms are affecting your quality of life, schedule your appointment online now, with offices in Danbury, New Milford, Ridgefield & Norwalk.

— Dr. Neetu Godhwani

Dr. Godhwani is an Allergy & Asthma doctor at Advanced Specialty Care, specializing in asthma, allergy and immunology with an interest in allergic rhinitis, immune deficiency, eosinophilic esophagitis, chronic sinusitis, childhood eczema, asthma, chronic hives, food allergy, and drug allergy.  She treats adult & pediatric patients in our Danbury, New Milford, and Norwalk offices.

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ADVANCED SPECIALTY CARE

The Allergy & Asthma specialists at Advanced Specialty Care, Drs. Yogen Dave, Neetu Godhwani, Purvi Shah, Cristina Vo, and APRN Michelle DiMauro, specialize in all of your family’s Allergy concerns–offering the region’s largest and longest-running Immunotherapy program.  To schedule your appointment with an Allergy & Asthma Specialist at Advanced Specialty Care, with offices in Danbury, New Milford, Ridgefield & Norwalk, CT, call us or request your appointment today.

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