Myths about allergies and asthma: Most people think allergies and asthma are a mild inconvenience that they don’t need to worry about. But actually, there are a number of myths you should be aware of when it comes to allergies and asthma. If you’ve ever had questions about these two conditions, then this article will answer your questions and dispel any myths you might have heard.
MYTH 1: AN ALLERGY IS A HARMLESS CONDITION:
Hay fever can cause fatigue and excessive sleepiness during the day. Adults experience a tougher time thinking and functioning at work, encounter a higher level of absenteeism at work, and have more work-related injuries. They are more irritated than healthy people, and they have a hard time making important decisions due to this. It is common for children with allergic rhinitis to perform poorly in school examinations and often can’t recall any information they’ve learned during class. Allergies, when left untreated, can also worsen other chronic respiratory disorders such as asthma, sinusitis, and skin disorders such as eczema and urticaria (hives).
Anaphylaxis – a systemic allergic reaction which can be fatal – is a potentially life threatening reaction which can be caused by allergies to foods, drugs and even insect stings.
MYTH 2: ASTHMA IS NOT CAUSED BY SMOKING:
Among the leading causes of preventable deaths in the United States, smoking cigarettes ranks first. The smoke from cigarettes irritates the lungs, which leads to a higher mucus production, redness and swelling. In order to defend your lungs from dirt and germs, they possess a natural defense mechanism. Cigarette smoke breaks down these natural defenses and damages lung tissue. As a result, those who suffer from asthma are put in a hard spot, since those changes to the lungs lead to symptoms of asthma and episodes of asthma. As a result, frequent asthma attacks can weaken lungs over time and eventually cause a more severe disease known as asthma-COPD overlap, which includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The risk of lung cancer is also increased by smoking cigarettes.
MYTH 3: ASTHMA DOES NOT REQUIRE ANY MEDICAL SUPERVISION :
There is a need for close monitoring and regular follow-ups with a specialist, regardless of whether or not the symptoms are mild. There are also medications that can reduce inflammation and protect the lungs from damage. In mild cases or if the asthmatic person avoids the triggers that cause asthma, such as pollen, pets or cold air, then it is possible that drugs are necessary. Prevention is the most effective medicine, however. It is often difficult or even impossible to implement preventive measures since they are too restrictive.
MYTH 4: CHILDREN OUTGROW ASTHMA:
Symptoms of asthma that first appear in childhood can disappear later in life. Asthma can disappear temporarily in a child, only to return a few years later. Nevertheless, some children with asthma – especially those who have severe asthma – never become asthma-free.
Signs and symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath can be hard to distinguish from asthma in young children. There are times when what seems to be asthma is actually bronchitis, recurrent pneumonia, or bronchiolitis. As children age, these and other asthma-like conditions improve.
MYTH 5: ALLERGY DRUGS CAN CAUSE SLEEPINESS AND MAKE YOU DROWSY:
Drowsiness is a common side effect of antihistamines, which are used to treat allergies or colds.
What causes this? Defending against allergens and germs is the task of the immune system with histamine. In cases of allergies and infection (such as a common cold), histamine becomes even more active. Due to its search-and-destroy process, it can cause symptoms associated with allergies and colds, such as a runny nose, cough, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Histamine is blocked by antihistamines, so these symptoms are relieved.
In addition to the immune system, the brain produces histamine, which plays a vital role in keeping us awake. Antihistamines can interfere with this process, making you feel drowsy.
CONCLUSION:
From the above points, you can see that many of the myths about allergies or asthma are so ingrained into our culture, we don’t even realize they are there. But when you think about these myths and what they say, it’s clear that they not only perpetuate other myths, but also a dangerous attitude towards these two medical conditions. It’s our hope that this list will help you better understand allergies and asthma, so that you can recognize if you or your loved one is neglecting these two conditions. Seeking a specialist’s guidance is the wisest choice and we encourage you to talk to a professional at Columbia Allergy today to learn more about how we can help you find relief from allergies.
