10 Myths About Allergies
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Myth 8: Moving to Another Part of the Country Can Get Rid of Allergies
Allergens exist virtually everywhere, so relocating probably won’t help you escape allergies.
Remember that regional plants pollinate year-round all over the country, airborne allergens like pollen can travel great distances, and indoor allergens, such as pet dander and cockroaches, can exist anywhere.
A change of climate may reduce your exposure to certain allergens. Dust mites, for example, thrive in heat and humidity, so they’re less common in drier climates. But if you have allergies, you also run the risk of eventually developing new allergies in a different environment.
Myth 9: Allergies Don’t Happen in the Winter
Winter may be the best time of year for many people with allergies, but that doesn’t mean allergic reactions can’t occur during the cold months — another common myth about allergies.
Outdoor allergens are less of a concern because “you don’t have pollens in winter,” says Douglas H. Jones, MD, of the Tanner Clinic in Layton, Utah. “But you still have the indoor [allergens],” such as mold spores and dust mites. During the winter holidays, you’re more likely to be exposed to potential respiratory irritants, such as wreaths, Christmas trees, and smoke from a fireplace or candles.
Myth 10: Hay Fever Is Just a Nuisance
Hay fever is most commonly associated with sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes. Treatment usually involves limiting exposure to triggers and taking medicines, like decongestants or antihistamines, to relieve symptoms.
Hay fever can also trigger or worsen asthma symptoms. “The problem with allergies is that they can lead to other issues, such as asthma, especially during pollen seasons,” says Blanka Kaplan, MD, an adult and pediatric allergist at Northwell Health in Great Neck, New York.
Additional reporting by Denise Mann and George Vernadakis.
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