Demi Lovato has reassured fans that she is fine after a hospital visit for a possible allergic reaction, raising questions about whether foods people have eaten for years can suddenly trigger symptoms.

The 34-year-old singer shared a now-deleted Instagram Story, showing an intravenous drip in her arm and a hospital wristband. 'Soooooo i'm either allergic to passionfruit or sushi now!' she wrote, before posting a follow-up message saying, 'i'm fine!!'

Lovato was discharged shortly after being assessed. However, she did not disclose the symptoms she experienced or confirm whether passionfruit or sushi caused the reaction. The precise trigger therefore remains unknown.

The incident highlights a question that can concern people who experience unexpected symptoms after eating: can a food allergy develop in adulthood, even if someone has previously eaten the food without problems?

Can Food Allergies Develop in Adulthood?

Food allergies can emerge at any age, including in people who have eaten a particular food for years without experiencing an adverse reaction.

A food allergy occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies a food protein as a threat and triggers a defensive response. Symptoms can range from mild itching or a rash to potentially life-threatening breathing difficulties.

A 2024 study commissioned by the UK's Food Standards Agency estimated that around 6% of UK adults, or approximately 2.4 million people, have a clinically confirmed food allergy. The figure excludes food intolerances, which are different from allergic reactions.

Depending on its ingredients, sushi can contain allergens such as fish, shellfish, soy and sesame. These include fish, shellfish, soy, sesame and other ingredients used in sauces or accompaniments. Cross-contact during preparation can also expose someone to an allergen they did not knowingly order.

Passionfruit, meanwhile, is a possible food trigger, but Lovato has not confirmed that it caused her reaction. Without further medical information, it would be premature to conclude that she has developed an allergy to either food.

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What Are the Symptoms of a Food Allergy?

According to the NHS, symptoms can affect several parts of the body and may appear shortly after exposure. They include:

  • Itchy skin or raised, itchy rashes known as hives.
  • Swelling of the lips, face or eyes.
  • Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or diarrhoea.
  • Coughing, wheezing or difficulty breathing.
  • Dizziness or light-headedness.

A severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, can develop rapidly and become life-threatening. Warning signs include sudden swelling of the mouth or throat, difficulty swallowing, severe breathing problems, confusion or collapse.

Anyone experiencing signs of anaphylaxis should seek emergency medical help immediately. In the UK, call 999. People prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector should use it as directed and call for an ambulance, even if their symptoms begin to improve.

How Can You Find Out If You Have a Food Allergy?

Anyone who suspects a food allergy should speak to a healthcare professional rather than relying on guesswork. A clinician may review the timing of symptoms, foods eaten and any previous reactions before recommending appropriate tests.

Depending on the circumstances, investigations may include skin-prick tests, blood tests and, in selected cases, a medically supervised food elimination diet. Keeping a food and symptom diary can also help identify possible triggers.

People should not deliberately eat a suspected trigger again to test their reaction, particularly if the first episode was severe. Nor should they remove numerous foods from their diet without medical advice.

Lovato has not publicly confirmed an allergy or identified the cause of her hospital visit. Her update suggests she has recovered from the immediate scare, but determining whether a food was responsible would require further assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can food allergies develop in adulthood?
    Yes, food allergies can emerge at any age, even in individuals who have previously consumed the food without issues.
  • What are common symptoms of a food allergy?
    Symptoms can include itchy skin, swelling, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
  • What should you do if you suspect a food allergy?
    Consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and management, and avoid self-testing with suspected allergens.
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