Myths & Facts about allergies

Fact: It is true that having a tendency for allergies is inherited from one parent or both of your parents, but allergies can be due to heavy or repeated exposures to substances such as industrial chemicals or other environmental hazards. Stress and emotional upset can increase the sensitivity of the immune system, and many other factors can indicate a predisposition to allergist.

Myth: Some dog breeds, such as Chihuahuas are better for people with allergies.

Fact:  It is the protein found in the pet’s saliva, dander and urine that triggers the allergies in some people. All dogs have dander, saliva and urine, so there is no particular breed that is better for people with allergies.

Fact: Asthma & allergies are a chronic state of hyper-responsiveness by the body’s immune system. Some children have asthma or allergy symptoms that clear during adolescence while others worsen, but the tendency for allergies and overly sensitive airways remains.

Children’s allergies lead to inflammation in the ear and may cause fluid accumulation that can promote ear infections and decreased hearing. If a very young child’s nose is always congested, it causes mouth breathing and might even cause some change in the way the soft tissue of the face develop. The face may elongate, with the teeth coming in at an improper angle. Early diagnosis and treatment may prevent these problems.

Myth: Continuous exposure to pets will increase allergies.

Fact: Continuous exposure to pets will not decrease allergies. The best was to relieve symptoms is to remove the pet from the home. If that is not an option, keep the pet out of the bedroom and have a non-allergic family member bathe, brush and clean the cage or litter box frequently.