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15 Common Myths Related To Allergies

By Alex

A sudden allergic reaction usually causes panic, especially when a person breaks out in hives. This problem is further complicated by the many myths that surround allergies, with everyone offering so-called well meant advice. Here are 15 of those common allergy-related myths.

1. If a Food Item Gives You Problems, Then You're Allergic to It
   
   Several problems can arise after eating specific foods and most of them are not related to allergy. When you have a real food allergy, your body's immune system reacts to it and produces allergic reactions. Food allergy is different from food intolerance, such as lactose intolerance. Only 2 to 5 percent of the world's population actually suffers from food allergies.
   
   



2. Kids Lose Their Food Allergies When They Grow
   
   This is not entirely true; some kids do demonstrate reduction it the severity of reaction, but not all cases resolve themselves with time. For example, celiac disease, otherwise called wheat allergy shows improvement as the child grows older, but mild allergic reactions still occur within the intestine. Plus, allergic symptoms can develop later in life.
   
   
3. The Most Common Allergy Is Peanut Allergy
   
   The truth is, only 0.6% of the entire world's population suffers from peanut allergy. That said, peanut allergy is a severe condition, and can result in a fatal anaphylactic reaction. Common food allergies are reactions to some vegetables and fruits.
   
   
4. You Can Spot All Food Allergies In A Person's Childhood Itself
   
   Irrespective of what allergies a child has, certain allergies, especially vegetable and fruit allergies develop later in life. This could be because vegetable and fruit proteins are similar to pollen and similar airborne allergens.
   
   
5. Food Allergies Can Be Resolved Using Allergy Shots
   
   It is possible to desensitize a person to certain allergens over time. This is done by injecting small quantities of allergen extract into the body. Pollen allergy can be effectively tackled this way. However, these shots may not prevent food allergies.
   
   



6. Prescription Allergy Medicines And OTC Antihistamines Work The Same
   
   If you have a mild allergy, take OTC antihistamines; they can help control some of your symptoms. However, they will offer you little effect if your allergies are severe. An allergist will test your blood and prescribe the right medications after evaluating your allergies and their severity.
   
   
7. Sugar Can Cause Allergies Too
   
   The body produces an allergic reaction when the immune system considers a food certain protein as foreign. Fats and sugars are exempt from this.
   
   
8. If You Are Allergic To One Food Item, You Are Bound To Be Allergic To Many
   
   A person who shows allergic symptoms to a particular food item might be at the most allergic to 3 other food items, not more.
   
   
9. If You Have Food Allergy, You'll Be Hyperactive
   
   If anything, the opposite is true. When a person reacts with swelling, itchy skin, oral tingling, hives, metallic taste, nausea, tightness in throat, diarrhea and vomiting, it's hard to be hyperactive. In fact, a person suffering a food allergy may even suffer low BP and faint.
   
   
10. Food Dye Allergy Is Very Common
    
    More than food dyes, more allergies occur because of natural foods. Certain food additives, such as yellow No. 5, aspartame, tartrazine, do cause allergies in some people.
    
    
11. You Either Outgrow Food Allergy Or You Suffer It All Your Life
    
    Some children might outgrow food allergies, especially when it comes to eggs, milk, wheat and soybean products. However, the more serious allergies, that is, peanuts, shellfish, fish and tree nut allergies cannot be outgrown.
    
    
12. You Don't Have To Take Food Allergy Seriously
    
    Certain food allergies can cause fatal anaphylaxis, a reaction where the airways are blocked, causing several breathing issues. If immediate medical intervention with epinephrine is not provided, death can occur. If your allergy is severe enough, your doctor might give you an epinephrine self-injection pen that you should always keep with you. Even after the epinephrine has been given, allergic reactions can start hours later. It's best to take the patient to hospital immediately.
    
    
13. Don't Take OTC Decongestant Nasal Sprays As These Are Addictive
    
    As with everything else, once the body gets used to a particular treatment, it won't respond very well to it. The same is true of OTC decongestants; use them only as much as required. Overuse might appear as an addiction, while the body does not use all that you intake.
    
    
14. If You Don't Want Allergies, Eat Honey
    
    If you have pollen allergy, eating pure honey made only of local flower pollen might increase your allergy tolerance. Honey, however, might not protect you against the pollens that are produced by grasses and weeds.
    
    
15. Take Medicines Rather Than Allergy Shots To Save Money And Time
    
    Immunotherapy is what doctors recommend for bad allergies. Over the long run, these shots will save you money and improve your quality of life.
    
    

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