One common reason you might suddenly be allergic to flowers is due to a recent move to a new geographic location with different plant life that you've never been exposed to before.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
New Geographic Location
Moving to a new area exposes you to different pollen types from various trees, grasses, and, of course, flowers. Even if you've never had allergies before, your immune system can react to these new allergens, triggering an allergic response. This is because your body identifies these new pollens as foreign invaders and releases histamine to combat them.
For example, someone who grew up in a region without ragweed might move to an area where it's prevalent and develop a ragweed allergy. Similarly, different flowers prevalent in a new location can cause new allergic reactions.
Other Potential Reasons for Developing Allergies
While a new location is a prime suspect, here are some other possibilities to consider:
- Changes in the immune system: Your immune system can change over time, making you more susceptible to allergies.
- Increased exposure: You might be gardening more or spending more time outdoors, leading to higher exposure to pollen.
- Cross-reactivity: Sometimes, you can become allergic to a new pollen because it's similar to something you're already allergic to. This is called cross-reactivity. For instance, some people with birch pollen allergies also react to certain fruits or vegetables.
- Exposure to new breeds: Some flowers are heavily bred or hybridized, creating new pollens that didn't exist before and causing new reactions.
What To Do If You Suspect a Flower Allergy
- Identify the culprit: Pay attention to when your symptoms occur and what flowers are present.
- Antihistamines: Over-the-counter antihistamines can help relieve mild symptoms.
- Consult an Allergist: A specialist can perform allergy testing to identify specific allergens and recommend appropriate treatment, such as allergy shots (immunotherapy).
- Avoidance: Limit exposure to the flowers causing your symptoms. Keep windows closed during peak pollen times, and consider wearing a mask when gardening.
