Is it An Allergy or Just Age?

Tuesday, 16 August 2011 | by Pat's Picks

Be wary if you develop an allergy late in life, says the Wall Street Journal, because it may not be an allergy. Severe reactions to food, cosmetics, even your environment can crop up out of nowhere, especially as we age. But in many cases they aren’t allergies, which means allergy medicines won’t offer any relief. Basically what happens, says the Journal, is that as your mucous membranes lose elasticity as you age. That means things that you used to smell—perfume, say, or even a beloved pet—can now bring on symptoms that mimic an allergy. Says an expert: “Even cold air becomes more problematic as we get older.” The Journal has a helpful checklist to help you determine whether your symptoms are an allergy or a simply part of the aging process.