Allergies are a growing concern for many people in South Africa, affecting everything from their daily comfort to their quality of life.
According to the Allergy Foundation South Africa (AFSA) a third of South Africans suffer from some form of allergic reaction, with 40% of allergy sufferers being children.
“With allergies on the rise it’s no wonder that myths and misconceptions are common,” explained Bronwyn Ragavan, brand manager for decongestant brand Karvol. She said such misunderstandings can lead to confusion, and debunking them is necessary to help allergy sufferers better understand the cause and symptom of their seasonal allergic reactions.
Myth 1: Allergies are just a cold
The truth: Allergies and colds have some overlapping symptoms, such as sneezing, a runny nose and itchy eyes, but they are fundamentally different. A cold is caused by a viral infection, while allergies are an immune response to substances known as allergens such as pollen, dust mites or pet dander. Unlike colds, which are contagious and usually resolve on their own, allergies persist as long as exposure to the allergen continues.
Myth 2: You can outgrow allergies
The truth: While it’s true that some allergies, particularly those related to food, may be outgrown by children as they get older, many are lifelong, such as allergies to pollen, dust mites or pet dander. Although some individuals may experience changes in their allergic reactions over time, such as becoming less sensitive to certain allergens or developing new allergies, the idea of “outgrowing” allergies should be approached with caution.
Myth 3: Allergies are overreacting immune responses
The truth: Allergic reactions are indeed the result of the immune system reacting to allergens, but calling them an “overreaction” can be misleading. Instead of distinguishing between harmful and harmless substances, the immune system wrongly identifies benign allergens as threats. This misidentification leads to symptoms that, while uncomfortable, are part of the body’s attempt to expel what it mistakenly perceives as harmful.
Myth 4: Allergy shots cure allergies
The truth: Allergy shots, or allergen immunotherapy, do not cure allergies, but they can significantly reduce symptoms and improve quality of life for many individuals. This treatment involves gradually introducing small amounts of the allergen to the immune system to build tolerance over time. If you prefer using over the counter solutions to help with the symptoms of allergies, a product such as Karvol can be used by the whole family when dealing with allergy-related congestion.
Myth 5: You can’t develop allergies as an adult
The truth: Allergies can develop at any age, even in adulthood. While many allergies first appear in childhood, it is possible to develop new allergies later in life. Factors such as changes in the environment, one’s diet or immune system function can contribute to the onset of allergies in adulthood.
Debunking common misconceptions can help allergy sufferers better manage their allergies and approach treatment with a more informed perspective.
