Allergies are one of the most unpredictable things in anyone’s life. It can happen at any point in your life as well, whether you are born with it, or just develop one young, or old. And to top it off, it can be there one day, and then the next (typically within years), it’s gone! People are unaware of why they suddenly are allergic to something. They are even more unaware that it can disappear, and most never find out because they avoid trying the food they are allergic to for fear of an allergic reaction. It is true. For all of you afraid to go near peanut butter, nuts, etc because it might kill you, just know that it can go away in time. On its own. And then you can hopefully enjoy a Snickers bar, or Reese’s peanut butter cup once again. It is important to never try it on your own! If you have an allergy, you need to get the proper tests done with your doctor. When it is time to check if it is gone, always do so with a medical
professional in an office, or hospital. Now let’s find out why an allergy begins, how it can just magically go away, and what tests you NEED to take to make sure you are no longer allergic before testing it out (with a medical professional).
Why Do You Get Allergies?
No one truly knows what causes allergies, but the experts think it is an oversensitive immune system. Your immune system reacts to any harmless substance, such as dust that gets in your eye or throat. Immune systems are designed to defend your body against these substances and if yours is oversensitive, then it reacts to allergens by increased mucus production (which is sneezing, itchy eye effects) or life-threatening ones can shut down many of the bodies vital systems.
Allergies are a tough thing to understand because it differs from person to person. You can have a sneezing attack around one cat, but not another. Allergies can be triggered through age, or with constant exposure to the allergen for your body to decide it’s a threat. That is sometimes why a person will develop an allergy later in life. It can be an environmental cause, such as those nasty pollen grains floating in the air during the spring and summer months. An allergy attack can even be brought on by stress. Stress causes inflammation and releases histamine which can trigger an allergic reaction.
Can You Outgrow Them?
Yes. While it may take a long time, people can outgrow allergies, even the life-threatening ones. Your body can grow used to the allergen, or developed a tolerance, so your body doesn’t see it as a threat anymore. The only person who can officially determine if it is gone is your doctor. Never try to test it out on your own, especially if it is a life-
threatening allergy.
How Can You Test If An Allergy Is Gone?
The way to find out if an allergy has gone away is the same way a doctor confirms that you have an allergy, a simple blood test.t. Blood tests show immunoglobulin (IgE) levels which detect and show the amount of allergen-specific antibodies in your blood. Looking at these tests, doctors can determine a person’s likelihood of outgrowing allergies, especially food ones. The way to test it is by giving the child or person a small amount of food while observing them in the doctor’s office or hospital. Some people who have allergies, even ones as life-threatening as peanut allergies, their entire life have taken the test later in life and learned that the allergy has disappeared. This means no more worrying about being around allergens, no more avoiding foods, they are free to enjoy peanuts, or whatever the allergen may be, like any other person.
Unfortunately, kids who are allergic to peanuts, or tree nuts will most likely carry the allergy into adulthood 80-90% of the time. Some people are lucky, but it is not common. However, it is still worth a try to get your blood work done and test it out. After all, May is National Allergy Awareness Month, and Food Allergy Action Month. Allergies are a pain and can be life-altering, deterring you away from important things and events. Know that it can go away, and get better. Don’t give up. Make sure to never test it at home, and always do it under medical supervision.