I’ve always considered myself fortunate—though I didn’t truly appreciate it until recently—because I could enjoy almost any food without experiencing so much as a twinge of discomfort. Sure, if I indulged in a mountain of chocolate late at night, I’d have some bizarre dreams, but that was a small price to pay. A chocolate lava cake was absolutely worth the occasional weird night’s sleep.
However, my culinary freedom came to a sudden halt a few months ago when I discovered I was allergic to eggs. One week, I relished eggs three times without issue. Then, during a dinner date with my partner at our favorite breakfast spot, I ordered my usual—a three-egg omelet loaded with spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, and veggie sausage.
Within forty-five minutes, I went from feeling a bit off to battling a torrent of saliva and struggling to swallow, culminating in a painful experience that left me unable to stand. I’ll spare you the graphic details, but let’s just say I learned that vomiting can be a violent affair. I was sore for an entire week. It all hit me so unexpectedly—no exaggeration.
Initially, I thought it was just a case of food poisoning. A week later, I bravely tried an egg sandwich, thinking perhaps it was a fluke. But once again, I endured the same torment, only to feel perfectly fine (apart from the fear of having cracked a rib) after expelling the food.
Then came the cookies. Despite having a strong suspicion that eggs were the culprit, I naively thought, One cookie won’t hurt. There are only two eggs in the recipe. Oh, how wrong I was! It hurt me. Badly. Now, I can’t just whimsically buy my favorite baked goods, ice cream, or salad dressings at the store. I have to scrutinize every ingredient. Gone are the days of leisurely breakfast dates with my partner unless I want to munch on sad, limp veggies alone.
In the midst of a pandemic, the comfort of baked goods and hearty breakfasts—goodbye French toast, pancakes, and all things bread—has vanished. It was one of the few pleasures keeping me sane.
At first, I was in denial. How could I develop a food allergy at 45 after a lifetime of eating whatever I wanted? The reality is, food allergies can emerge later in life just like those pesky fine lines, gray hairs, and inexplicable joint pain. It seems that as we navigate the uncharted waters of perimenopause, our bodies can also throw us curveballs, like violent allergic reactions to foods we’ve enjoyed for years.
According to Harvard Health, only about 4% of adults have food allergies. However, a study published in JAMA found that nearly half of adults with food allergies developed at least one in adulthood, indicating the reality of adult-onset food allergies. Unfortunately, if you develop a food allergy later in life, it’s likely to stick around.
If you consume something you’re allergic to, even if you’ve never had an issue before, your body will respond, and it’s crucial to take heed. Reactions can vary wildly from mild symptoms like itching or swelling to life-threatening anaphylaxis.
But why do these allergies appear later in life? Carolina Hormone And Health notes that for women, the onset of food allergies may be linked to menopause. Hormonal fluctuations during this time can significantly impact how our bodies react to allergens, as the level of histamine—responsible for allergic symptoms—fluctuates with estrogen levels.
Even if you don’t develop food allergies as you age, you might face new intolerances. It’s frustrating, and no one wants to lose yet another pleasure as they enter midlife. However, awareness is key. Pay attention to what you consume and how it affects you. No one wants to endure avoidable pain, and if you find yourself struggling with breathing, hives, or frequent violent vomiting, please consult a doctor. Adult-onset food allergies can be serious and even life-threatening if not managed properly.
I’m living proof that you can enjoy something regularly for years and suddenly develop a severe allergy overnight. While giving up certain foods is certainly inconvenient, it’s crucial to identify and avoid those that cause issues.
But oh, how I will miss those eggs.
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Summary
Adult-onset food allergies can emerge unexpectedly, even after years of enjoying certain foods. This article shares a personal account of developing an egg allergy in adulthood, highlighting the importance of recognizing and managing food allergies as they arise. It encourages readers to stay mindful of their dietary choices and consult healthcare professionals if they experience allergic reactions.