Can you all of a sudden develop an allergy?

[ParusMajor]

A few years ago (2013) I was diagnosed with asthma and a year or so later I started to have problems eating foods I used to really enjoy. I went to see an allergist and she said I have an allergy to birch pollen, all nuts, coconut and dust mites. She did say I would not go into anaphylactic shock from eating any of those foods but could I actually? I have by mistake eaten almonds in chocolate (I didn’t realise it had some in it, this was before I started to read the labels carefully) and my throat felt very tight and I was having trouble speaking and breathing, is that anything to be worried about? I did take an antihistamine and it took a while but the symptoms went away. Im just worried and scared if it happens again and I don’t have my antihistamines or something with me.

[strongmouse]

I seem to have accumulated various allergies over the years, inhalants, food and contact. Some I react to really badly like eggs, prawns and sesame seeds. Classic allergies. Others I react to but they seem not to be 'classic' allergic reaction. Dr. Jonathan Brostoff has co written a book with Linda Gamlin called "The Allergy Bible" which explains the different types of allergy.

I always try to carry antihistamines with me, in the same way I have salbutamol for asthma, just in case, plus a card with a list of my main allergies.

If your throat went tight then I'd discuss with your doctor.

[gillrosserickson]

I would say yes, you can suddenly develop an allergy, it happened to me with soya milk after drinking it for 30 years as the alternative to cows milk. So I now use goats' milk which is fine so far....

It also happened to me with peanuts. I eat them all through childhood but then had the severest reaction to them in my 20's. I now carry epipens.

Soya reacted on me in my late 50's... but soy is related to peanut as they are both legumes (not nuts)

From what you say it would be a good idea to avoid eating nuts and the other foods which gave a test reaction.

[Moi46]

Tightening of the throat and difficulty speaking/breathing should NOT BE TAKEN LIGHTLY! Next time it might be much worse. You may be hypersensitive to certain things - seek definitive medical advice and NHS testing, not internet advice!!