Allergy Myths You Shouldn't Believe

Allergy just hits anyone at anytime. It can be triggered by almost everything, from that luscious strawberry to the dust in your living room. No one is safe from an allergy attack and although the symptoms can be cured, there's no permanent relief but to stay away from the allergens that cause you misery. Our body has a natural way of fighting foreign invaders and since our modern lifestyle is more exposed to synthetic substances than ever, our immune system just overreacts to these allergens.

Allergy Myths

When it comes to allergy, there is simply no guess-work. You must get your facts straight by checking out if you believe any of these myths:

1. Clean Space Means Zero Allergies

Like bacteria, small amounts of germs can help make your immune system grow stronger. You don't have to vacuum everyday. Once or twice a week is fine so long as you have it come with a HEPA filter that traps pollen particles.

2. Moving to a New Location Will Cure Your Allergies

You may move to the state of Arizona to get rid of all those ragweed and maple trees that cause you allergy, but you may be exposed to new allergens in your new environment which can trigger another attack.

3. Hay Fever Comes from Hay

Just because the word may sound so, hay fever is neither a fever or something caused by hay. The term 'hay fever' is used for a combo of congested sinuses, difficulty breathing, runny nose, coughing and others that are caused by pollens, molds, or spores. This occurs during Spring, Summer, and Fall.

4. Getting Short-Haired Pets Reduce Your Allergy Risk

Hair or animal fur is not the real cause of the allergy, but the proteins that your pet's skin or saliva produces. These animals lick their fur, which in turn carries those substances with it. If you really love having pets at your home without the allergy risk, try caring for reptiles, fishes, or amphibians instead.

5. Flowers are the No.1 Culprit

Don't just blame your allergies to these lovely blooms. Unless you are a gardener or a florist, there's nothing to fear from these colorful, fragrant variety.

6. It's All in Your Head!

Correction: Allergy is a real medical condition. Just because you are sneezing like crazy with the sight of a rose doesn't mean it's all made up in your head. Your body's immune system can be hyper-sensitive to foreign substances. Stress can even worsen your condition, so get plenty of rest and sleep each day.

7. My Kids Run the Chances of Getting My Allergy

Another myth. Allergy is not hereditary and it doesn't run in the family. Remember that allergies are 'triggered' by external factors and that can be anything.

8. You Can Outgrow Your Allergy

Allergies are not like your dirty socks. You can avoid the symptoms, but you can't outgrow it. The best way for you to make sure you don't get an allergy attack is to ask your doctor for an allergy test and how you can prepare for another attack.

There are many more myths that people believe when it comes to allergy. Some believe that repeated exposure may make them immune. This may hold true for some. If you are using a nasal spray, you should not take it longer than three days so you won't suffer a rebound, where your nasal congestion can get worse. Still, the best way to build up your immune system is by making healthy choices, doing regular exercises, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle habit - for LIFE!