Many people assume peanut and other food allergies develop in childhood. But adults can develop them too without any warning. Even foods that have been eaten safely for years can suddenly trigger unexpected reactions.
For one woman, her daily lunch routine quickly became a cause for concern. What started as a harmless habit of convenience turned into a frightening health scare, showing that food allergies aren't just a childhood issue.
In a viral TikTok with more than 373,000 views, content creator Jo (@lifewithhhjo) shares her theory on why her throat suddenly isn't feeling great.
"Y'all I'm panicking. I've eaten an Uncrustable every day for lunch for five months now and my throat just started to feel scratchy and hurt. Now I'm getting scared. What if I've developed an allergy?" she asked in the text overlay.
Though Jo doesn't speak in the video, her expression conveys her rising anxiety.
Based on the peanut butter hashtag in the caption, it seems Jo is specifically worried about having developed a peanut allergy, which can have reactions ranging from mild to severe, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Symptoms often start with a scratchy throat, itching or tingling in the mouth, hives, or swelling of the lips and face.
In more serious cases, exposure can trigger vomiting, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, or anaphylactic shock, a potentially life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention.
People with peanut allergies are generally advised to avoid all peanut-containing products and carry an EpiPen in case of emergency.
"Full panic mode activated," she added in the caption.
Viewers shared their own experiences with developing an allergy late in life.
"Laughing because this is very relatable, except for itchy throat it was sinus issues. Turns out I've been allergic to peanut butter for twenty years," one said.
"It's possible. my all nuts allergy came on out of nowhere," another shared.
Developing a new allergy in adulthood isn't unusual. And it happens more often among women, the Harvard Medical Journal reported.
Many assume food allergies only appear in childhood. However, adults can experience sudden allergic reactions to foods they've eaten safely for years.
Allergies occur when the immune system mistakes a harmless substance -- like shellfish -- for a threat, triggering symptoms.
Mild reactions can include hives, itching, a scratchy throat, or digestive upset. More serious reactions, particularly food allergies, can cause vomiting, swelling of the lips or throat, difficulty breathing, and even anaphylaxis.
Because reactions can be severe and unpredictable, experts stress that adults who suspect a new food allergy should consult an allergist rather than self-diagnose.
Controlled tests, such as supervised food challenges, can confirm the allergy safely and help guide treatment and precautions.
BroBible reached out to Jo for comment via TikTok direct message and comment.