Whether or not we are officially in summer months, seasonal allergy sufferers are already packing their bags and threatening to leave the country just to escape the onslaught, especially seniors as it seems they are the most affected ones during this time of the year, not to mention the discomfort allergy gives.
As established facts, two of the known factors of allergies are genetics and your environment. There are people who, when subjected to a certain kind of allergen react violently while others are obviously tolerating it like it’s part of their body’s system, then there are some who just develop a reaction later in life. For years, researchers have been trying their best to pinpoint the cause of such condition. However, due to the apparent mystery of allergies and how the condition is triggered, myths were born. Here are some myths which, if considered, make sense, but are actually the farthest from the truth.
•    No one dies of an allergy. Allergies are life threatening! Anaphylaxis, for one, is a fatal allergic reaction that has rapid onset and can kill on an instant.
•    It’s in your pet’s fur. Actually, it’s not. The actual allergen comes from the protein their skin produces. Like us people, your pets shed off flakes of skin called dander. This microscopic flake will then become airborne and can be inhaled by hypersentitive people in the room, causing his or her body to react to the allergen.
•    It’s the iodine that the shellfish has. Not true, again. In fact, it’s the protein they have—again.
•    There’s such thing as milk allergy. Even if your body reacts violently to milk, it doesn’t necessarily mean you are allergic to them. You have what is called as lactose intolerant and it doesn’t affect your immune system as an allergy will do.
•    Go organic—to avoid allergens. Not so, as organic foods can still cause allergic reactions to a person. Bottom line is, it is not how the food is prepared but what comes along when you consume it.
•    Allergy shots are not necessary. For seniors who suffer from allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis, allergy shots are most certainly recommended. However, allergy shots should be administered with caution since older adults tend to have other types of reaction when allergy shots are introduced.
•    Moving to an entirely different environment will cure your allergies away. According to studies made, it doesn’t matter if you move from one place to another. If your body is predisposed to having allergies, it will only develop another set if you eliminate the first ones.