An allergy is an uncommon or inflated immune response triggered by a particular substance. Its symptoms can be an itchy eye, wheezing and sneezing.
Seeing their occurrence, understanding and terminating the myths associated with allergies is very important. So here are some myths and misconceptions –
1.It only develops in children
This myth is forever constant, that once you reach adulthood you don’t develop allergies. But this is not true.
In a study, it was found that – Among so many people who have allergies, there is at least one food allergy developed during adulthood. So, there is a tiny bit possibility of developing allergies in adulthood.
2. There are no treatments for this
Generally, there are no cures for allergies. The best way to minimize allergic reactions is to avoid getting in contact with the things that cause it.
Still, there are certain treatments that can reduce the symptoms. For instance, decongestants can relieve the nasal symptoms of allergies, while antihistamines and nasal steroid sprays can also be effective.
Moreover, allergy immunotherapy can help reduce allergies.
3. Food allergies and food intolerances are the same
This is a myth. Both things are very different.
When someone experiences a food allergy, it is driven by their immune system, usually associated with the action of Immunoglobulin E (IgE). Because of this, the symptoms appear very rapidly.
Whereas intolerances do not involve the immune system, and symptoms take longer to appear.
Also, allergies can be life-threatening but intolerances are not.
4.Allergies are for life
This is absolutely a myth. Although certain allergies remain constant in life.
According to Dr Mehdizadeh – “Some allergies may simply dissipate with age.”
It is believed that most children outgrow milk, egg, soy and wheat allergy. But in some cases, such as allergies to peanut, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish are often lifelong.
5. Peanut allergies are the most serious
In the US, peanut allergies are very common. It is seen in about 6.1 million people across the country.
This problem can certainly be dangerous. Some individuals might have only a mild reaction to peanuts but, for others, it could spark anaphylaxis.
But the severity of the reaction depends on an individual’s immune system.
6. Colds and allergies are the same
Although colds and allergies might have common symptoms, including a blocked nose and runny eyes, they are different. Symptoms of a cold are caused by an immune response to viruses, while allergies are an immune response to an allergen.
Another important difference is that colds tend to last around 1–2 weeks, whereas allergies can, in some cases, last a lifetime.
7. Continuous exposure to animals reduces allergies
It is often seen that if someone with an animal allergy spends time with that type of animal, the allergy will slowly improve. But this is not true.
In fact, some pet owners can gradually become allergic to their pets after some time.
Hence, if pets are brought into a home when children are young, there is a chance they do not develop allergies to those animals as they age.
Overview
There are various myths and misconceptions about allergies, still, the symptoms should not be avoided. Their counterintuitive nature might also play a part — after all, why should one’s immune system react to a peanut or a pooch?
Although there is still no cure for allergies, scientists continue their journey to find a cure.
