Can I Develop A Food Allergy As An Adult, And Can I Outgrow It?

Dr. Wesley Burks answers the question: 'Developing, Outgrowing Food Allergies?'

ByABC News
March 25, 2008, 12:22 PM

— -- Question: Can I develop a food allergy as an adult, and can I outgrow it?

Answer: Most of the food allergies are starting early in childhood. The foods that we're allergic to early on in life are milk, egg, peanut, wheat and soy. The milk, egg, wheat and soy reactions typically are gone by school age, but we typically keep peanut allergy for the rest of their life.

For adults, you can develop food allergy, but it's relatively uncommon. The most common kind of case history would be a middle-aged adult that develops a shellfish allergy, like a shrimp allergy. But that, again, is relatively uncommon.

Next: What Are The Major Food Allergens And What Are Common Symptoms Of An Allergic Reaction To Food?

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