Why Have I Suddenly Developed Hay Fever?

In this article, we’ll explore why you may have suddenly developed hay fever as an adult. We’ll look at the possible reasons behind late-onset allergies, the common triggers that could be affecting you and the typical symptoms to watch out for. We’ll also explain the steps to manage and prevent hay fever, helping you stay as comfortable as possible during allergy season. 

Key Takeaways

Here are the five biggest takeaways from this article about why you may start experiencing hay fever:

• While commonly associated with childhood, hay fever can appear later in life due to changes in environment, lifestyle, or hormonal fluctuations.

• Moving to a new area with different pollen types, increased pollution, dietary changes, stress levels, and spending more time outdoors can all contribute to the sudden onset of hay fever.

• Unfortunately, the specific reasons why some people develop hay fever remain unclear.

• Typical symptoms include sneezing, a blocked or runny nose, itchy eyes, nose and throat, as well as fatigue, headaches and earache.

• Treatments such as antihistamines, nasal sprays and decongestants can help relieve symptoms.

What can cause hay fever to develop in adults?

Changes in your environment:

• Moving to a new area with different pollen types: Moving to a new area can expose your immune system to allergens it hasn’t seen before, which can trigger hay fever symptoms. The time of year you move may also mean you experience exposure to different types of allergens [1].

• Increased pollution levels in a new location can worsen allergy symptoms: Exposure to increased pollution levels in a new location can also irritate the airways and make you more sensitive to pollen.

Lifestyle changes:

• Changes in diet: Changes in your diet can affect your immune system, potentially making you more susceptible to developing allergies.

• Changes in stress levels: Increased stress levels can weaken your body’s immune system, making it more reactive to allergens such as pollen.

• Spending more time outdoors: Spending more time outside exposes you to higher levels of pollen, which can lead to the sudden onset of hay fever symptoms.

Hormonal changes:

Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation can also affect the immune system, making some women more sensitive to allergens like pollen. As well as this, pregnancy can also trigger changes in the body’s immune response, potentially leading to new or worsened hay fever symptoms.

What are the triggers for allergies?

Allergies can develop later in life, but the exact reasons why some people suddenly become allergic are somewhat unknown. Factors such as a severe infection, exposure to pollution or hormonal changes may disrupt the immune system and trigger an allergic response. 

While avoiding allergens might seem like the best way to prevent symptoms, in some cases, exposure can help maintain tolerance. It’s important to note that this does not apply to severe allergies. If you experience new allergy symptoms, it’s always best to consult a pharmacist or doctor for advice.

What are the common symptoms of hay fever?

Hay fever can cause a range of symptoms that vary from person to person. Common signs include [2]:

• Persistent sneezing

• A blocked or runny nose

• An itchy nose, eyes and throat

Many people also experience red, irritated eyes, which can become watery and uncomfortable. Other symptoms, such as headaches, earache and fatigue, can make hay fever feel particularly bad. However, not everyone will experience these.

How can I prevent hay fever?

Unfortunately, there’s no way to completely prevent hay fever, but there are plenty of treatments to help manage your symptoms. Options like antihistamine tablets and eye drops can help reduce sneezing, itching and watery eyes, while nasal sprays are effective for a blocked nose. 

Decongestant sprays and drops can also provide short-term relief. If your symptoms persist despite treatment, it’s a good idea to speak to your doctor to confirm whether hay fever is the cause or if another condition may be responsible [3].

Final Thoughts

If you’ve suddenly developed hay fever as an adult, here are several possible reasons why, from environmental changes to lifestyle and hormonal shifts. While the exact cause of late-onset allergies isn’t always clear, understanding common triggers and symptoms can help you manage your condition more effectively. Unfortunately, hay fever can’t be prevented, although several treatments are available to help ease discomfort and keep symptoms under control.

Sources

[1] When is Hay Fever Season?: A Guide To Pollen Types & Allergies Through The Year - UK Edition

[2] Can Hay Fever Make You Feel Sick? | UK Meds

[3] How To Stop Hay Fever | UK Meds

Further Reading

Is hay fever season starting earlier in the UK, with the pollen count rising? – UK Health Security Agency

Why do some people suddenly develop hay fever? - Patient