Myth #1: Moving to Arizona will cure my allergies.
Unfortunately, moving to a new location probably won't help your allergies much. Although the deserts of the American Southwest may lack ragweed and maple trees, other plants grow there that produce pollen. People who are sensitive to some pollens may also become sensitive to others found in a new environment. | 
| Myth #2: Hay fever is caused by hay.
The popular term "hay fever" is considered a misnomer because the condition is not caused by hay, nor is it a fever. The term is used to describe congested sinuses, coughing, runny nose, sneezing, breathing difficulties, and other symptoms caused by any plants that pollinate or molds that produce spores -- usually in the spring, summer, or autumn. | 
| Myth #3: Short haired pets don't cause allergies.
The truth is, an animal's fur -- including its length -- isn't the culprit in allergies. The real culprit is a protein produced by glands in the animal's skin or in their saliva. Cats often cause more allergy problems than dogs simply because they tend to lick their fur a lot, spreading the protein onto their coats. If you're allergic to furry pets, consider adopting one of these fur less friends: fish, iguanas, or snakes. | 
| Myth #4: Pollen from flowers is a leading cause of allergies.
Ironically, some of the most feared plants -- the brightly flowering varieties -- are the least likely to trigger allergic symptoms. Pollen from roses and many other fragrant, colorful flowers tends to be heavy, waxy, and sticky, making them less likely to become airborne. These pollens are not spread by the wind. Instead, insects transport pollen from flower to flower. So allergies to these plants are relatively uncommon -- unless you are a florist or a gardener who is exposed to them frequently. | 
| Myth #5: Allergies are psychosomatic.
Allergies may affect your nose, but that doesn't mean they're "all in your head." An allergy is a real medical condition involving your immune system's reaction to a foreign substance. Stress or emotions may bring on or worsen symptoms -- or your symptoms may cause you to feel embarrassed or discouraged -- but emotions don't cause allergies. Also, you also can't pass your allergies on to a friend, because they're not contagious. | 
| Myth #6: You can outgrow your allergies.
Most people grow into allergy, not out of it. Although some people can become less sensitive to certain substances simply by avoiding them, it is nearly impossible to avoid exposure to certain pollens, molds, and dust. Year after year of repeated exposure to these allergens can cause allergic individuals to continue to suffer from allergies their entire life. | 
| Myth #7: Frequent exposure to pollen can help you build up immunity to it.
Regularly scheduled, repeated exposure to small amounts of an allergen -- as with allergy shots -- can lead to immunity. But infrequent and erratic exposure does not lead to immunity -- instead, it increases the likelihood that you will become sensitized to the allergen. With allergy shots (called immunotherapy), exposure to the allergen is closely regulated and given on a scheduled basis, leading to the production of blocking antibodies (called IgG antibodies) and a decrease in the level of allergic or IgE-mediated antibodies. | 
| Myth #8: I should save my prescription antihistamine medication for the days I am suffering most.
Antihistamines work best when taken according to the treatment plan your allergist or health care provider has given you. | 
| Myth #9: I won't build up a resistance to decongestant nasal sprays.
Certain decongestant nasal sprays should not be taken longer than 3 to 7 days at a time to avoid a "rebound effect," meaning it takes more medication more often to achieve the same results. | 
| Myth #10: Because I am allergic to something, my kids will be too.
The tendency to develop allergies does tend to run in families, but other factors come into play as well. Sometimes people develop allergies when neither parent has them. Many experts also believe that early exposure to a potential allergen may make a person more likely to develop an allergy to it later. | 
| More information...   Check out: Pet Allergies
"When is a "Food Allergy" Really an Allergy?" by Robert Eitches, MD A Visit to the Allergist, video also... "About Allergy Shots" by Ira Finegold, MD
ALLERGY Focus Center! - Videos on allergies, and transcripts.
Allergy Medication Table NEXT >> |
