5 Myths About Seasonal Allergies Debunked

Do you suffer from seasonal allergies? You aren't alone. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one-quarter of all Americans have seasonal allergies. When you experience an allergy attack, you may develop symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, headache and fatigue. While most people are familiar with the symptoms of an allergy attack, however, there are common myths about seasonal allergies that you should ignore.

#1) Moving Will Eliminate Seasonal Allergies

Unfortunately, moving to a new location probably won't eliminate your seasonal allergies. Like with other types of allergies, seasonal allergies involve an overreactive immune system. Your immune system will "overreact" to allergens like pollen, resulting in the symptoms of an allergy attack. Moving to a new location won't change your body's immune system. You may be exposed to fewer allergens, but you'll still have an overreactive immune system.

#2) Only Occur During the Spring

Most seasonal allergies do, in fact, occur during the spring, but they can occur during other seasons as well. Some people experience them during the summer. Others experience seasonal allergies during the winter. If you are particularly unlucky, you may experience seasonal allergies year-round. Regardless, seasonal allergies aren't limited to the spring.

#3) Antibiotics Are Effective

You can't treat seasonal allergies with antibiotics. Antibiotics only work for infections -- specifically bacterial infections. Seasonal allergies don't involve an infection, nor do they involve bacteria. You can still treat them, but you'll have to use allergy medicine like antihistamines. Antihistamines will block the release of histamines, thereby minimizing the symptoms of an allergy attack.

#4) Staying Indoors Will Prevent Allergy Attacks

Don't assume that staying indoors will protect you from allergy attacks. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you may experience allergy attacks from indoor allergens. Research shows that the air inside of most homes is up to five times more polluted than the outdoor air. Allergens are a form of pollutant. The air in your home may look clean, but it probably contains pollutants like allergens. Exposure to these allergens may trigger an allergy attack.

#5) Only Caused By Flower Pollen

Flower pollen is a common allergen for seasonal allergies. When flowers begin to release their pollen, many people begin to experience allergy attacks. But seasonal allergies aren't limited to flower pollen. They can be caused by other types of allergens, such as grass pollen and tree pollen. There are even non-pollen-related allergies that can trigger allergy attacks, some of which include mold and dust.