Seasonal allergies can trigger sneezing, runny or stuffy noses, and itchy eyes. These symptoms typically appear at certain times of the year and are most often caused by pollen from trees, grasses, or weeds, as well as mold spores that thrive in humid or damp conditions.
For most people, inhaling these substances poses no problem. But in those with seasonal allergies, the immune system mistakenly treats them as harmful, triggering symptoms.
Many individuals first experience seasonal allergies in childhood or early adulthood and may outgrow them over time. However, allergies can develop at any age.
“The answer is emphatically yes,” says Carri Knapp, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, a board-certified family nurse practitioner at Beaufort Memorial Express Care & Occupational Health. “Allergies can change over time, appear unexpectedly, and may even start in adulthood.”
Allergies occur when the body identifies a substance—such as pollen, animal hair, or mold—as a threat. This prompts the immune system to release histamine, which produces the familiar allergy symptoms.
Aging can alter the immune system, sometimes weakening responses to allergens. Repeated exposure may also trigger overreactions.
“These allergies often run in families and can last a lifetime, though symptoms may improve or worsen,” Knapp explains. “A family history of allergies increases your likelihood of developing them at some point.”
Adults may develop allergies even if they experienced only mild symptoms earlier in life. Changes in environment or exposure to new triggers—like moving to a different region or adopting a pet—can spark allergic reactions.
If new allergy symptoms appear, over-the-counter oral antihistamines or nasal sprays may provide relief. If these are insufficient, a primary care provider can prescribe stronger medications or recommend testing to identify the specific triggers.
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