Myth #1: Some dog breeds, such as Chihuahuas, are better for people with asthma and allergies.
Reality: The protein found in the pet’s saliva, dander and urine is what causes allergies, not the pet’s hair. There is not one breed that is better for people with allergies and asthma.
Myth #2: Inhaled medications are dangerous.
Reality: Inhaled medications that treat inflammation are the safest and most effective means to treat asthma. It is usually more dangerous NOT to use inhaled asthma controller medications if they have been prescribed for you.
Myth #3: Children outgrow asthma and allergies.
Reality: Asthma is a constant state of airway irritability and not something that can be outgrown. Some children do have asthma symptoms that clear during the teenage years (while others may worsen) but they will always have airway irritability. The same holds true with allergies – you may keep your symptoms under control with medications, but you will never outgrow them
Myth #4: Asthma and allergies can be cured.
Reality: There is no cure for asthma or allergies However, with proper care, asthmatics can lead normal, active lives. Allergy shots are the closest treatments we have to a cure for allergies. Shots may dramatically reduce symptoms and the need for medications.
Myth #5: Alternative holistic medications are equally as effective as prescribed medications.
Reality: Alternative holistic medications, such as bee pollen or allergy “drops,” should never replace proven medical treatments for asthma and allergies. Bee pollen usually contains bee body parts, which may cause an allergic reaction. There is no evidence that shows using bee pollen has any benefit to the allergic patient.
Myth #6: Moving to a southwestern state will cure asthma and allergies.
Reality: Moving to a southwestern state may help allergies for a few months. However, new allergies to local plants in the new area can develop within a short period of time. There is no safe place to move away from asthma and allergies.
Myth #7 Allergies are a harmless problem.
Reality: Allergies are a serious problem and should be treated as such. If left untreated, allergies can lead to sleep and learning disorders. These symptoms, in turn, can lead to missed school and work. Untreated allergies can also cause more severe problems, such as sinus infections or skin disorders. They can also worsen asthma symptoms. Allergies to foods, drugs or insect stings can even lead to life threatening reactions.
Myth #8: Hayfever is caused by hay.
Reality: The term “hayfever” is misleading because it is not caused only by hay, nor is it a fever. Today, the term is used to describe nasal congestion, coughing, runny nose, sneezing, shortness of breath and other symptoms caused by any plants that produce pollen or molds that produce spores – usually in the late spring, summer or fall.
Myth #9: Pollen from flowers is the leading cause of allergies.
Reality: Although it may seem strange, flowers are least likely to trigger allergic symptoms. Pollens from roses and many other fragrant, colorful flowers tend to be heavy, waxy and sticky, making them less likely to be airborne. Allergies to these kinds of plants are very uncommon.
Myth#10: Allergies are “all in your head.”
Reality: Allergies may affect your nose, but that doesn’t mean that they are “all in your head.” An allergy is a real medical condition involving your immune system’s reaction to something unknown. Allergies are hereditary so you can pass the tendency to develop allergies to your children. You can’t however, pass allergies along to others like a common cold because they are not contagious.
Top Ten DON’TS
- Do not use ionizers, fresh air machines or ozone generators. Ozone is an air pollutant. There is no such thing as good ozone. Ozone causes you to lose your sense of smell and, thereby, covers up odors. (For more information go to http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/ozonegen.html).
- Do not use humidifiers or vaporizers. Molds grow on damp materials. Indoor humidity should be maintained below 50% to prevent mold growth. A dehumidifier may be beneficial in damp areas such as basements.
- Do not use vacuum cleaners with water reservoirs. Standing water is an excellent source of mold growth. Recommended products include central vacuum systems and vacuum cleaners with micro-pore or HEP A filters.
- Do not invest in questionable equipment/practices to treat allergies without consulting your allergist first. For example, the treatment of carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture with FebreezeTM is only minimally effective.
- Do not just stir dust around when cleaning. Wiping with a moist cloth or with newer electrostatic fabric dusters, such as SwifferTM that trap the dust can remove over 90% of dust mite allergen that accumulates on hard surfaces. Wear a high efficiency filter mask approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) when dusting or vacuuming.
- Do not install wall-to-wall carpeting in the bedroom or in the basement. Carpets are excellent reservoirs for dust mites. Most persons spend at least 8 hours in their bedrooms daily. Dust mites, like mold, thrive in high levels of humidity. Carpet installed over concrete interferes with the evaporation of moisture. Consequently, that moisture can become trapped under the carpeting to promote mold growth.
- Do not allow items that encourage dust mite infestation such as drapes, pet bedding, stuffed animals and upholstered furniture in the bedroom. Stuffed toys should be washed in hot water every 1-2 weeks to kill dust mites. Dry cleaning and tumble drying on high heat for at least 20 minutes will also eliminate dust mites. Non-washable stuffed toys can be made washable by removing the stuffing and replacing it with nylon stockings. Do not freeze stuffed toys in an attempt to kill mites. The moisture build-up from the thawing process will promote growth of mites and molds.
- Do not leave food or garbage out in the open. Cockroaches feed on the same substances as humans. Controlling food sources will, consequently, reduce the cockroach population. In addition, spoiled foods contain mold. Emptying the garbage daily reduces indoor mold exposure.
- Do not open windows/doors during peak allergy seasons. Indoor air allergen levels are affected by outdoor air allergen levels. It makes sense that keeping indoor environments physically separated from the outdoors will reduce the amount of airborne particles inside the home. Also, avoid outside activities on days when pollen or mold counts are high. Wear a NIOSH 95/100 filter mask when doing yard work or mowing grass.
- Do not introduce furry animals to your home environment, especially cats, if you have allergies. Cats are the most allergenic animal. Virtually all allergic people who are exposed to cats on a regular basis will become allergic to them. If you already have a furry pet, such as a cat, then keep the animal away from carpeted rooms, sleeping areas, and upholstered furniture. It is impossible to adequately remove cat allergen from these items. Cat allergen can remain in the house for several years after the animal is removed.
