When it comes to allergies, you may be under the impression that they develop in childhood and either stick with you as an adult or go away entirely. However, that's not always the case. As you age, you may find that you develop new allergies. Adult on-set allergies can be problematic, and in many cases, the symptoms are assumed to be due to a different medical issue. Here are three things that you should know about allergies and adults.

They Are Common

The first thing that you should know is that if you have allergies as an adult, you are not alone. Around 18 million Americans have allergic rhinitis which is often referred to as hay fever. Food allergies are also more common than you may realize, with 2 to 3 percent of American adults suffering from some form of food allergy. In some cases, these allergies are present from childhood. However, many adults find that they develop allergies as time goes by. Another thing that can happen is that you can have a mild allergy in childhood that worsens during adulthood.

You Should Take Allergies Seriously

While adult-onset allergies may come as a surprise, it's important to take them seriously and seek medical attention when they occur. Left unchecked, allergies can be hazardous to your health and lead to other more severe medical problems. If you have developed an allergy, whether it's hay fever, a food allergy, or a skin allergy, a visit to an allergy specialist is a must. They can come up with a treatment plan that relieves your symptoms and helps keep you healthy. They can also administer allergy testing to determine what is causing your symptoms.

Allergy Testing and Treatments are Available

If you think that you are having an allergic reaction, allergy testing can determine what you are allergic to if it's not apparent. The cost of a consultation with an allergist ranges from $150 to $300. Allergy testing can range in price from $60 to $300 for a skin prick test and between $200 and $1,000 for a blood test. The cost of treatment can also vary depending on what is needed. Allergy shots, or immunotherapy, can cost upwards of $4,000 but may be the best option depending on the severity of your allergy.

When it comes to allergies as an adult, they are more common than you may realize and can develop at any time. It's important to take any new or existing allergies seriously and to seek the help of an allergist. Allergy testing and treatments are available and can help make your life more comfortable. 

For more information, contact a company like The Regional Allergy Asthma & Immunology Center, PC.