Will My Allergies Resolve on Their Own?

If you’re one of the tens of millions of Americans with allergies, you’ve probably wondered if your annoying symptoms might disappear on their own.

You’re not alone. Many people hope that their sneezing, itchy eyes, or hives will eventually go away without intervention but is this realistic?

If you’re in the Houston area, Syed Saidi, MD, and the internal medicine physicians at Integrative Primary Care in Katy, Texas, are here to help. We specialize in diagnosing and treating allergies. 

Our team understands how disruptive allergies can be to your daily life and is dedicated to helping you find effective relief. Keep reading to learn whether allergies can resolve on their own and the importance of seeking medical advice for the best treatment. 

What are allergies?

Allergies are when your immune system reacts to a substance known as an allergen as if it were a harmful invader. 

This hypersensitive reaction can cause different symptoms, depending on the type of allergy and the individual, including:

• Sneezing or runny nose
• Red, itchy eyes
• Swelling 
• Hives or a rash

In the most serious cases, people experience anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock, which is a life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention. 

Are all allergies the same?

There are different types of allergies. Some of the most common types of allergies include:

• Food allergies (triggered by consuming certain foods)
• Skin allergies (caused by contact with allergens)
• Insect allergies (reactions to stings or bites)
• Hay fever or seasonal/environmental allergies (reactions to airborne particles)

Keep in mind that this is not a complete list of possible allergies. Humans can have allergies to nearly anything!

For this reason, if you experience symptoms, be sure to see your Integrative Primary Care provider for an evaluation.  

Will my allergies disappear by themselves? 

Whether your allergies might resolve on their own depends on the type of allergy you have. Here’s a closer look:

Food allergies

Food allergies are generally lifelong, although some children may outgrow certain allergies as they age, such as those to milk, eggs, or soy.

However, many food allergies, especially those to nuts or seafood, tend to persist into adulthood.

If you suspect you have a food allergy, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis and create a management plan with your Integrative Primary Care provider.

Skin allergies

Skin allergies can sometimes improve or worsen over time. Factors such as changes in environment, exposure to allergens, and overall skin health can influence the severity of symptoms. 

Avoiding known triggers and using appropriate skincare products can help manage and potentially reduce your symptoms. However, it’s rare for these allergies to completely disappear.

Insect allergies

Insect allergies typically don’t resolve on their own, especially if you have a severe reaction like anaphylaxis. In fact, they can often get worse with age. 

If you have an insect allergy, it’s important to carry an epinephrine auto-injector and seek medical advice on how to manage and avoid triggers.

Hay fever or seasonal/environmental allergies

Hay fever (seasonal/environmental allergies) and allergic rhinitis can all fluctuate in intensity throughout your life. Factors like moving to a different climate, changes in pollen levels, or improved indoor air quality can affect symptoms.