Every one among us has gone through one or more kinds of allergies!
Let’s admit this fact. Allergies and allergy-related conditions are pretty common and are considered common chronic illnesses. No matter if you have experienced a food allergy or a respiratory one, there could be one or more common symptoms of these allergies.
What are allergies?
Allergies are our body’s immune response. Unlike other immune responses, this response is derived against potentially harmful substances such as pollen, foods ingredients, stings etc. say top general physicians. The extent and severity of an allergic response can vary from person to person. These allergies can range from mild ones to ones that can be potentially dangerous.
Why are ALLERGIES important?
There could be many possible causes of allergy. From your genetics to the learned immune response, everything can be a driving factor for allergic reactions. Though term allergy refers to many conditions altogether and can be against the common substances, these allergies are quite problematic.
Myths about Allergies
Not allergies themselves, but the common misconceptions about these allergies can make these more problematic. Here are the common myths about allergies that one shouldn’t believe.
1- Only kids suffer from allergies
One popular myth about allergies says that only kids suffer from allergies. However, this is no rule because just like kids, adults are equally prone to allergies. Depending upon the type of allergy, adults and kids can suffer from these. For instance, food allergies are more common in adults than in children.
2- You can’t outgrow your allergies
This is another popular belief about allergies that says that if a person is allergic once, he is likely to stay allergic forever. But that’s no rule. Over time, people can outgrow their allergies and can live normal lives again. Many things can help you to cure your allergies by a strengthened immune system.
3- Allergies aren’t dangerous
Yes, you heard it right. Many people perceive allergies as cold or flu saying that allergies aren’t dangerous at all. However, that’s a mere lie you are telling yourself. Depending upon the type of allergen and severity of the allergic reaction, allergies can be life-threatening. This is especially in the case of respiratory allergies that induce severe immune responses making it difficult for people to live.
4- Sugar allergy is a thing!
Of course not! There is no such thing as sugar. Immune responses are often derived against the protein component in food in case of food allergies. Sugar is merely a carbohydrate and doesn’t contain any protein in it, thus no one can suffer from sugar allergy.
5- There is no overlapping between food and pollen allergies
That’s not true because overlapping between pollen and food allergies exist and is known as pollen food syndrome. Pollens associated with certain foods are capable of inducing allergic reactions. For instance, potatoes, ragweed etc. are examples of foods associated with allergies. You can prevent these reactions by simply avoiding these foods.
6- You can’t differentiate between cold and allergies
It is a fact that many of the allergens induce symptoms like common cold and flu and considering this situation it is believed that one can’t differentiate between common cold/flu and an allergic reaction. However, that’s not true. Many distinct features of cold are not part of allergic reactions and depending upon these, one can easily differentiate these two.
7- You only need to take allergy medication if you are experiencing symptoms
There are many different types of myths about allergies medications having different efficacy and taken under different circumstances. It is believed that allergy medication is only needed if a person is experiencing the symptoms. However, some medications can help to prevent the onset of an allergic reaction and are used as a preventive measure.
Bottom Line!
Allergies are pretty common and a part of the body’s natural immune response. The type of allergic reaction and severity can vary from person to person. Based on the triggers, there can be a preventive or treatment plan for a certain allergy that your physician prescribes after a detailed health examination.
If you are an allergy sufferer, then it is recommended to watch out for your triggers and stay in touch with your physician to avoid complications and treat your condition properly.
