Adult-Onset Allergies on the Rise

Sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, runny nose...sound like a common cold? It may not be -- welcome to allergy season!

"These are classic symptoms of allergic rhinitis, more commonly called hay fever," says Michael Kaplan, M.D., chief of the allergy division at Kaiser Permanente, Los Angeles Medical Center.

Triggered by grass, tree pollen and weeds -- and often aggravated by air pollution -- allergies are present in at least 20 percent of the population, and the prevalence has been rising steadily for the past 20 years.

And, even if you didn't grow up with allergies, it's entirely possible to suffer from them as an adult. "Allergies may develop in adults because they had allergic potential to begin with and then had respiratory infections that triggered a recurrent allergy response," says Kaplan.

Where to Find Relief

So how can you cope? Allegra and Claritin are cited by Kaplan as two of the less-sedating antihistamines that can usually help remedy allergy symptoms. For itchy, irritated eyes, many find eye drops to be soothing. Alcon Naphcon-A Eye Allergy Relief Eye Drops is one over-the-counter brand. In severe cases, physicians may recommend immunotherapy, which takes the form of allergy shots -- or small doses of the allergen -- administered on a regular basis over the course of several months to increase your tolerance to the allergen(s) responsible for your suffering.

Various studies of differing scope and quality have produced some evidence that natural antihistamines and anti-inflammatories such as vitamin C, quercetin, butter bur, bromelain, the sulfur compound MSM, B-complex vitamins and pantothenic acid can also be quite effective.

If you want to know which substances are causing you grief, inexpensive skin or blood tests can isolate the allergen(s) to which you're reacting. To find an allergist in your area or to learn more about allergies, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology offers detailed information and a physician's referral search list.