Allergies are one of the most common chronic illnesses in the United States. In fact, over 50 million Americans suffer from allergies in some form every year. For being such a common occurrence, allergies are often overlooked. Over time, you may even develop allergies to things that you were previously fine with.
There are many things to know about allergies, some of which you may have heard of before. However, there are some myths sprinkled in with the facts, and we’re here to help you sift them out. Here, we go over the facts about allergies and debunk the myths.
With so much information at our fingertips, it can sometimes be difficult to differentiate the myths from the facts. It’s possible to hold some misconceptions about allergies that might not be entirely true. Let’s take a closer look.
If you were lucky enough to avoid allergies as a child, you may be under the impression that you won’t get them later in life either. This isn’t the case. Your allergies could have been so mild that they weren’t noticeable, or you could have unknowingly been avoiding the thing you were allergic to.
Allergens of all different kinds can present themselves in varying locations or times of the year. For instance, if you move to a new climate, you can encounter allergens you hadn’t come into contact with before. These allergens can surprise you with an allergic reaction. Additionally, you may have overcome allergies as a child that reappear later on.
Allergies are a bit complicated. While you can develop allergies later in life that you didn’t experience as a child, it can also work in the opposite way. This most commonly occurs with allergens like milk, eggs, peanut butter, and shellfish.
Some studies show that as many as 60 to 80 percent of children with milk or egg allergies outgrow them by their teen years. It’s also thought that the earlier a child experiences the allergy, the more likely they are to outgrow it.
While steering clear of allergens is a great way to avoid an allergic reaction, that’s not always the most practical option. For example, you can avoid eating food you’re allergic to as long as you know the ingredients of the recipe you’re about to enjoy, but it’s not reasonable to stay inside all the time in order to avoid your allergy to pollen.
Taking preventative treatment steps is crucial in fighting back against allergies. There are many options to choose from, including antihistamines, saline solutions, nasal sprays, and allergy shots. We can advise you on which option is best suited for your symptoms and sensitivities.
Whether you’re experiencing allergies for the first time, or allergy season is hitting you particularly hard this year, come in for an allergy consultation with our expert ENT, Dr. Vandana Kumra. During your visit, she learns about your allergy symptoms, including their severity and how long you’ve had them. She then works to determine the underlying cause and if additional testing is required.
Don’t let itchy eyes and a runny nose get in the way of enjoying your time outdoors this summer. Contact our New York, New York, office today to schedule an appointment.
