Cause for allergy changes?

[kitkat777]

Does anyone know what could cause a sudden change in allergies?  I suddenly developed an allergy to everything environmental (that I've been tested for.)  Every tree, grass, pet, dust mites, etc.  These allergies cause swelling, breathing issues, sneezing, hives, and the list goes on.  I'm 21 years old.  Is there a reason behind a sudden drastic allergy change, or is this fairly common?

[Dr J Singh]

Hello,
It seems that you are having hay fever or allergic rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis is a collection of symptoms, predominantly in the nose and eyes, caused by airborne particles of dust, dander, or plant pollens in people who are allergic to these substances.

Allergies can also develop in persons who are not showing any prior symptoms of allergies.So if you have been tested to have allergies with blood tests and skin tests then pls try avoiding these allergens as far as possible.Also consult an allergist and get yourself prescribed antihistaminics,steroids and an epi pen.

Hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[kitkat777]

I currently am undergoing immunotherapy, take 3 prescription strength allergy medications, and have had to get corticosteroid shots along with prednisone.  I have an air purifier going constantly in my room, allergy barriers on all pillows and mattress, and clean very often.  Despite all these steps I still suffer.

I realize that normally these do not come up suddenly.  I know that I had allergies to 2 trees, some mold, and slight reaction to dogs when I was younger (would suffer from sinus headaches and sneezing at the most), but this is severe.  On Jan. 4th I woke up one day to my face being swollen, my eyes were huge, and I couldn't breathe (short of breathe, and throat was swollen).  I never before had had this severe of a reaction.   The day before I was fine, and nothing change in my room that night.  About a week before that at the most I had were some puffy eyes.  When I went to doctors they were clueless since they didn't think of allergies overnight causing breathing issues.  I finally decided I would go to an allergist, and uncovered that I'm allergic to everything environmental.  Before that night I had never had an reaction to my cat I've had for 14 years.  Now if he gets in my face my nose and throat close up.  After cleaning my room for dust mites and cat dander there was a huge difference.  I find it really hard to believe that I could have had a severe allergy to dust mites and my cat for a long time and it just show up one day.  Not to mention it was in Jan. so no tree or grass pollen to further aggravate things.  If you know of a reason I'm all ears.

I'm just more worried about the reason behind this, especially since the doctors said they had never heard of such a thing happening before.  If this is normal for a person's immune system to go into overdrive overnight, then I can accept that, but I just want to find out that that's the case, and that it couldn't be something else.

[kabir2009]

Hello,
You seem to have allergies  specially with air borne allergens like pollen of trees, dust ect. and this is not a sudden change. Allergy gradually effects a person and which can only be confirmed by RAST test. Allergy usually cause the symptoms like breathing difficulty, sneezing, hives etc. change in weather aggravates the condition specially windy days.
So, remain indoor when outdoor pollen level are highest like windy days. You can also use a pollen and dust mask and use clothes dryer instead of hanging the wash outside, where it acts as a filter trap for pollen. Make sure to clean and replace your air conditioner and air cleaner filters regularly. Also effective are various types of air-filtering devices, which can be added to the heating and cooling systems in the home.

You can take OTC anthistaminics like benadryl or zyrtec.You can also use some nasal decongestants but use them for a few days only.Corticosteroids and bronchodilators can also be used. You can also use saline nasal sprays or steam inhalation at home.Another effective agent that is available by prescription is cromolyn sodium. In severe cases, Immunotherapy is advised.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted.