New food allergies after 50? What you need to watch for

(NC) It’s one thing to be cautious about cholesterol and blood pressure after 50, but what if a favourite food suddenly leaves you gasping for breath or covered in hives?

Surprisingly, adult-onset food allergies are more common than you might think, according to Dr. Harold Kim, an allergist and immunologist. “It’s not unusual to see someone in their 60s react to shellfish or nuts. Your immune system evolves with age, and that can mean new sensitivities.”

Common triggers and symptoms

The most common food allergens include crustaceans, tree nuts, peanuts, milk, eggs, soy, wheat, sesame and fish. “Shellfish and fish are particularly common in adults developing allergies for the first time,” says Dr. Kim. “You could have enjoyed lobster your whole life and suddenly develop an allergy at 58.”

Symptoms can vary from mild to severe, typically appearing within minutes to two hours after eating. Watch for tingling or itching in the mouth, hives or rash on the face or throat, vomiting, or shortness of breath or wheezing.

If you’ve recently experienced these symptoms after a meal, don’t shrug it off—experts recommend seeing your doctor promptly. “Don’t wait for a second reaction,” urges Dr. Kim. “The next one may be more severe.”

What to do next

Diagnosis involves food history, blood tests and sometimes supervised food challenges. While avoidance is key, having an emergency plan is crucial, including carrying a safety device like an EpiPen, which delivers epinephrine used to treat a severe or life-threatening allergic reaction.

For anyone at risk of anaphylaxis, quick access to epinephrine is critical, but especially for older individuals with other health conditions.

You can also make lifestyle adjustments, including reading labels, wearing a medical ID and asking about ingredients when you eat out. You can find more tips and information at epipen.ca.