Cutting Edge Personalized Medicine for Asthma & Allergies

Why Am I Not Outgrowing My Allergies?

Some people struggle with allergies starting in childhood. Others find themselves developing allergic reactions as adults. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), more than 50 million Americans experience some type of allergies each year, and allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the country. Regardless of when your allergies began or what you may be allergic to, many people wonder if they can outgrow their allergies. Unfortunately, there isn’t a clear answer.

What are Allergies?

Allergies are the immune system’s reaction to substances that the body deems a threat. Some common allergen triggers are pollen, dust mites, mold, animal dander, insect stings, drugs, and foods, such as shellfish, nuts, or dairy. When the immune system finds a substance it thinks is foreign, it creates immunoglobulin E antibodies.

The next time that substance enters your system, these antibodies, which attach to the skin, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract, will release a chemical called histamine. Histamine causes blood vessels to dilate, leading to an allergic reaction. Some symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

  • hives
  • swelling
  • rashes
  • cold-like symptoms
  • respiratory difficulties
  • digestive problems

Histamines act as warning signs in our body, indicating that we have come into contact with a substance that could harm us. In many cases, our body’s histamine response also activates our white blood cells which are designed to fight infection.

Outgrowing Food and Seasonal Allergies

It is possible for people with a food allergy as a child to outgrow that condition with age. This depends, however, on the food that causes the allergy and how severe the child’s reaction is. For instance, the Mayo Clinic reported that “60 to 80 percent of young children with a milk or egg allergy are able to have those foods without a reaction by the time they reach age 16.” It is much less likely that a child will outgrow an allergy to peanuts, tree nuts, finned fish, and shellfish. But scientists do not yet have an answer for why some people outgrow these kinds of allergies while others do not.

In some cases, individuals may have a food intolerance rather than an allergy. This is typically a less serious condition, with symptoms that come on more gradually and only include digestive issues. Food intolerance does not usually change with age.

It is rare that an individual can outgrow seasonal allergies or hay fever. While you may not outgrow non-food allergies, the symptoms you experience may lessen or worsen as you grow older. It is also possible to develop food or environmental allergies as an adult even if you did not have them as a child.

If you aren’t sure if your symptoms are linked to an allergy, or you think you or your child might have outgrown a food-related allergy, it is best to reach out to a qualified allergist for the appropriate testing. This can determine what triggers may be causing your allergic reaction, as well as safely tell you if a food allergy has diminished or developed.

If you are seeking treatment for asthma or allergies, contact Columbia Allergy at one of our convenient locations in California, Oregon, Idaho, or Washington. We take a patient-focused approach that views every person as an individual with unique challenges and goals.

This is not medical advice. We encourage you to seek assessment and treatment from a trained medical professional to learn more about your unique needs.

RN-Registered Nurse

Bellevue & Vancouver, WA · Full time

Medical Assistant-MA

Bellevue & Vancouver, WA · Full time

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“Nothing worse than worrying about every cookie and ice cream snack out there that sends us to the ER. Dr.Jain and Dr. Gandhe who are the best. Their expertise and kindness have given us back both dessert and peace of mind. I don't know which one is more appreciated. ”
Hana L.
"Dr.Gandhe always puts my son at ease before treatment. She talks to him directly and in an age appropriate way. My son looks forward to visiting her and the other staff. When I have questions about treatment she responds clearly and, during after hours, Dr. Gandhe responds very quickly. We feel well cared for."
Amy M.
"Dr. Gandhe gives us excellent personalized treatment for my son’s peanut and tree nut allergy. She has a heart for kids with allergies and I feel very safe under her care. My son has already made great progress with his tree nut allergy"
Nikko Y.
"Best Office Ever!"
Georgia B.
"One of the best doctors + staff I have ever met. The care and professionalism is out of this world! We feel comforted and safe at our visit "
Pierre
"Dr. Jain is very kind and friendly as well as the staff "
Graciela R.
"Dr.Jain and Melissa Hutton PA-C are the best allergy providers I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. The entire staff is kind and helpful. My allergy care is comprehensive and I never feel rushed through an appointment-"
Miko
"Best decision we have made in my son’s life so far"
Merritt F.
"We are very confident with Dr. Jain’s treatment plans and recommendations. The staff at the Fremont office is amazing"
Cherylyn V.
"Amazing and awesome team for scary and life-threatening allergies"
Manalie J.
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Walter M.
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Sarah S.
"We are likely (5 stars) to recommend Dr. Jain to friends and family. Our experience here has been so positive and supportive. It is great clinic and has given us great hopes in treating our son"
Khushi P.
"Extremely great experience. Truly God sent figures. Dr. Jain and Melissa are such wonderful and humble doctors, I have ever met. Thank You. Dr Jain and the entire staff for being with us through the journey. I will recommend him to all the people that I know with allergies
Amrita M.
"Dr. Gandhe has been more than a blessing for us. We love her! She’s so great at talking explaining and planning everything. Her treatment has been spot on and I am so thankful we found you. We love all the nurses, they are so patient and loving"
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