06-05-2025
Can You Develop a Peanut Allergy Later in Life?
It's possible to develop a peanut allergy later in your life. According to a 2021 study, approximately 17.5% of people with peanut allergies developed the allergy as adults.
Adult-onset peanut allergies typically occur between the ages of 30 and 39.
What makes adults more likely to develop peanut allergies?
People with existing allergic conditions, such as eczema or asthma, insect sting allergies, or latex allergies, are more likely to develop new allergies as adults.
Genetics may also play a role. If a family member has a peanut allergy, it could raise your risk of developing a peanut allergy later in life.
It's also possible that your peanut allergy was present in your childhood but not recognized or diagnosed until later in life.
Other factors that might increase your risk of developing a peanut allergy as an adult include:
Environmental exposure: Moving to a different location can trigger a new allergic reaction, due to exposure to new allergens.
Gut microbiota: A 2023 study found that changes in gut microbiota may play a role in the development of peanut allergies. But more research is needed to confirm this theory.
Immune system changes: As people age, their immune systems can become more sensitive to allergens, triggering new allergies.
What are the symptoms of a peanut allergy?
Symptoms of a peanut allergy can vary in severity. Common symptoms include:
If you experience any of these symptoms and suspect a peanut allergy, seek medical attention immediately. Your symptoms may worsen as the peanut allergen passes through your system.
A healthcare professional can help rule out other causes, manage symptoms, and keep them from getting worse.
A severe reaction to peanuts might include anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis causes acute symptoms, such as constriction (swelling) of airways, low pulse, and shock, which is known as anaphylactic shock. This can be fatal if it isn't treated immediately.
