A huge number of people on the planet suffer from allergy-related conditions every year. However, there are still widespread myths and wrong assumptions about allergies, which are in sixth place among the most common chronic diseases.
"Many early medical beliefs have been proven incorrect as research has advanced," said allergist David Stukus, MD. in Columbus speaking at a meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). "Unfortunately, some of those beliefs are still alive online, where a staggering 72 percent of users search for health information."
Don't let misinformation stop you from getting the best advice and treatments to manage your allergies. Here are 10 common allergy myths and the true facts behind them:
Myth 1: Allergies are only for children
Not true, says ACAAI spokeswoman Neeta Ogden. "You can definitely develop allergies as an adult," she says. For example, research presented at the 2017 ACAAI Annual Scientific Meeting found that nearly half of adults with food allergies developed their allergies in adulthood.
Most adults who develop an allergy are usually between the ages of 20 and 40, although it can develop at any age, says Dr. Edward Davis III, an allergist at Osner Medical Center. "I've even had 85-year-olds come into my office with allergic rhinitis or hay fever," he says.
"It's unusual, but I've seen it."
Myth 2: You can't outgrow allergies
"Many people outgrow their allergies over time," says Princess Ogbogu, MD, an allergy and immunology specialist at Ohio University Medical Center in Columbus. According to the Mayo Clinic, about 60 to 80 percent of young children outgrow their allergies to milk or eggs by age 16, for example.
Research has shown that allergic sensitization or the body's reaction to allergens is greater in younger people. A study published in 2016 in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that aging is associated with lower levels of sensitization, particularly to dust mites and cat dust.
Myth 3: Pollen and food allergies do not overlap
People suffering from hay fever may suffer from pollen-food syndrome. Also known as oral allergy syndrome, it occurs when the immune system reacts to allergens found in pollen, as well as in certain fruits, vegetables or nuts. The following are some examples of the types of pollen associated with certain foods:
Jova: apples, cherries, peaches, pears, celery, almonds and hazelnuts
Birch: apricots, cherries, nectarines, tomatoes, carrots and walnuts
Grass: melon, oranges, watermelon, potatoes and peanuts Ambrosia: bananas, melon, watermelon, cucumbers, zucchini, eggplant
These fruits and vegetables cannot cause an allergic reaction when cooked, but the best way to treat pollen-food syndrome is to avoid these foods.
Myth 4: Cold or allergy?
Colds and allergies are two completely different things. While the common cold is caused by viruses, seasonal allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to an allergen. However, colds and allergies can share some common symptoms, such as runny nose, sneezing and choking.
Other cold symptoms, such as aches and pains, are not related to allergies, and itchy eyes are common to allergies and colds.
Colds and allergies also vary in how long they last. "A cold lasts 7 to 10 days," says Dr. Ogden. “Allergies are a little more persistent.” When in doubt, see an allergist to determine if your symptoms are caused by allergies, a cold, or something else.
Myth 5: The only treatment for allergies is prevention
Prevention is key when you have allergies. Whether you have seasonal, perennial or food allergies, always avoid exposure to anything that triggers an allergic reaction.
There is no cure for allergies, but there are several treatment options that can reduce symptoms. The most common medications are decongestants, antihistamines, and saline or steroid nasal sprays. Immunotherapy can reduce sensitivity to certain allergens by exposing the body to small but gradually increasing doses of known activators.
If you have severe allergic reactions and are at risk of anaphylaxis, your doctor may recommend that you carry a dose of adrenaline, a chemical that quickly improves breathing in an emergency.
Myth 6: You should only take allergy medicine after you've had symptoms
The fact is that an allergic reaction can be prevented if the medicine is taken before the symptoms develop. "Many people with seasonal allergies take medication only when they have symptoms," says de Ogden.
"It's best to start treatment before symptoms appear to protect your immune system from the pollen attack."
Medicines known as stabilizers work by blocking the release of immune system chemicals that cause allergic reactions in the eyes or nasal passages. These medications are given to people with seasonal allergies starting two weeks before the start of allergy season.
Myth 7: Short-haired dogs are good for allergy sufferers
Pet hair and fur are not allergens, but they can collect other allergens, such as dust and pollen. If you are allergic to animals, the real culprits are dander (dead skin cells), saliva and urine. You may be less sensitive to certain species, but there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic pet. Cat allergies are twice as common as dog allergies, and exposure to cats can trigger a severe asthma attack. If your allergy is not severe and you cannot part with your beloved pet, there are some things you can do to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction:
- Limit contact with your pet (for example, keep it out of the bedroom). - Wash your hands after petting your pet. - Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaner to reduce airborne allergens. - Vacuum floors and furniture often. - Bathe pets when they come from a walk to get rid of pollen on their fur. - Take medication as directed before symptoms develop.
Myth 8: Changing the place of residence can get rid of allergies
Allergens are almost everywhere, so moving house probably won't help you avoid allergies. Remember that regional plants pollinate year-round across the country, airborne allergens like pollen can travel vast distances, and indoor allergens like dander and dust mites can exist anywhere.
A change in climate can reduce exposure to certain allergens. Dust mites, mold, for example, thrive in heat and humidity, so they are less common in dry climates. But if you have allergies, you also run the risk of developing new allergies in a different environment.
Myth 9: Allergies don't happen in winter
Winter may be the best time of year for many people with allergies, but that doesn't mean allergic reactions can't happen during the cold months.
Outdoor allergens are less of a concern because "during the winter you don't have pollen," says Dr. Douglas Jones of the Tanner Clinic. “But you still have indoor allergens,” like mold spores and dust mites. During the winter holidays, you are likely to be exposed to potential allergens, such as garlands, Christmas trees, and smoke from fireplaces or candles.
Cold urticaria, a relatively rare condition that usually occurs in younger adults, is an allergy to cold. When the skin is exposed to colder temperatures, the affected area develops red, itchy welts. In severe cases, it can cause anaphylaxis.
Myth 10: Hay fever is just a nuisance
Millions of people are diagnosed with hay fever or allergic rhinitis every year. The condition can be seasonal - triggered by allergens such as pollen or mold spores - or appear year-round in response to triggers such as dust mites, pets, mold or cockroaches. There is also non-allergic rhinitis, which does not involve the immune system and can be triggered by irritants from the air, such as smoke and perfume, drugs, food
Hay fever is associated with sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion and itchy eyes. Treatment usually involves limiting exposure to triggers and taking medications, such as decongestants or antihistamines, to relieve symptoms.
But hay fever can lead to more serious complications. The symptoms can disrupt your sleep, and can make you more susceptible to sinusitis and ear infections.
"The problem with allergies is that they can lead to other problems, like asthma, especially during pollen season," says Blanka Kaplan, MD, a pediatric and adult allergist in New York.
Bonus video:
