Myths and Facts About Seasonal Allergies
Desert Climates Cure Allergies
Myth. Don't pick up and move to escape your allergies. Grass and ragweed pollens are found nearly everywhere. A climate change may curb your symptoms, but your relief could be short-lived. You may have reactions to the allergens in your new environment not long after you move.
Cut Flowers Commonly Trigger Allergies
Myth. Very few people have allergic reactions to a bouquet of beautiful blossoms. The pollens made by trees, grasses, and weeds are usually to blame.But you're not likely to put flowers from those plants in a vase!
There's No Pollen at the Beach
Myth. The coast can be a nice vacation spot for people with allergies. Beaches generally have lower pollen counts, butgrasses are common near them, and ragweed pollen can be found as far as 400 miles out to sea.
Pollen Counts Can Predict Bad Allergy Days
Fact. They measure how much of the fine yellow dust is in the air over a period of time. A high count means you're more likely to have symptoms when you go outside. So check the count as you make plans for the day.
Local Honey Can Fight Off Allergies
Myth. Some people believe this sweet treat is a natural remedy for pollen problems. But most allergies don't stem from the type found in honey -- and that means that a jar of it won't help you build up your immunity. So, enjoy honey’s taste, but know that even local kinds probably won’t ease your symptoms.
You Will Outgrow Your Seasonal Allergies
Myth. Most kids won’t, especially if they have hay fever (allergic rhinitis). A hospital in Sweden tracked 82 people with hay fever and found that 99% still had it 12 years later. But 39% did say they had some improvement.
Rain Washes Away Pollen
Fact. Temperature, time of day, humidity, and rain can affect levels of the yellow, sneezy stuff. If you have allergies, the best time to go outside is right after heavy rains. Pollen counts run lowest on chilly, soggy days. They tend to run highest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., especially on hot, dry, and windy days. If you want to go outdoors, try to wait until the late afternoon, as the counts start to fall.
Mold Allergies Strike Only Indoors
Myth. Super-tiny mold spores can show up almost anywhere. They grow on soil, decayed leaves, and rotted wood, especially in damp weather. You're most likely to have an allergic reaction to mold in the summer. Most outdoor types of it aren't active in the winter. As plants grow back in the spring, so does mold.
Hay Fever Comes From Hay
Myth. Don’t let the name fool you. Hay fever isn’t a fever, and you can get it even if you’ve never been to a farm. Tree, grass, and weed pollens cause it. So do mold spores. If you have allergies, you may be more likely to have a reaction in a rural area. But some studies show that children who grow up on farms have a smaller chance of getting allergies.
No Childhood Allergies? No Worries
Myth. Allergies often start when you're a kid. But you can get them as an adult, too. Some happen after you change where you live and encounter new allergens. And even if you think you've overcome a childhood allergy, some symptoms can show up again when you’re a grown-up.
Allergy Shots May Help
Fact. They aren’t a cure, but if you have bad allergies or reactions to many things, they might help you. Regular shots greatly cut some people's reactions to certain allergens. (There are also under-the-tongue meds that work the same way.) But you’ll have to stick with the treatment plan to see the greatest results.
Sources Medically Reviewed on 03/06/2019 Reviewed by Dan Brennan, MD on March 06, 2019
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REFERENCES:
Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
Danielsson, J. Allergy, March 1997.
Eriksson, J. Allergy, November 2010.
Health Central web site.
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
News release, University of Connecticut.
Riedler, J. Clinical & Experimental Allergy, February 2000.
University of Arizona Health Sciences Center.
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
County of San Mateo, CA Health System.
Reviewed by Dan Brennan, MD on March 06, 2019
This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information.
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
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