Sometimes old wives’ tales are true, but more often than not, they turn out to be false. The case is definitely true for seasonal allergies symptoms. Here we’re going to debunk the three most common allergy myths. We don’t know where these stories came from, but there is definitely no scientific evidence behind them.
Myth #1:
Eating Local Honey Will Help Reduce Seasonal Allergies Symptoms
Despite popular belief, eating local honey will not help you reduce seasonal allergies symptoms. The idea is that, since bees carry pollen, some of that pollen will get into the honey they produce. By eating the honey, you’ll help accustomate your body to local pollen thereby preventing or mitigating an immune response.
However, very few people are allergic to flowers. Bees carry flower pollen, but most people are allergic to tree or grass pollen, which is transported by the wind. So, you’re welcome to eat local Buffalo, NY honey, but you’ll be disappointed if you think it will prevent allergic reactions.
Myth #2:
You Can Outgrow Allergies
While you can develop allergies later on in life, people very rarely outgrow environmental allergies. In fact, you can develop an allergy anytime in life—even after you retire. Children do sometimes outgrow food allergies. For instance, many children will outgrow milk or egg allergies by the time they hit their late teens.
Unfortunately, you are probably stuck with your seasonal allergies symptoms though. If anything, they’re more likely to worsen over time. Children who suffer from seasonal allergies symptoms are at a higher risk of developing asthma as they get older.
Myth #3:
I Need to Suffer With Seasonal Allergies Symptoms Because Medication Doesn’t Work For Me
Who came up with this one? This couldn’t be further from the truth! If over-the-counter allergy medication doesn’t work for you, you don’t have to stay up at night congested. You can talk to your physician about prescription drugs or immunotherapy.
With immunotherapy, allergists can help you develop immunity to your allergen. With a series of injections, your allergist will expose your body to its allergen in very small doses allowing it to recognize it as harmless and adjust accordingly.