Are You Surprised by These 4 Facts About Allergies?

No one wants to live with allergies yet millions of people across the United States do. The aggravating and painful symptoms can include wheezing, constantly watering eyes, runny nose, and sneezing. Whether you do not have allergies, have had allergies for years, or are just developing allergies, it’s likely there are some facts about allergies that you don’t know.

At Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group we do more than treat allergies. We work to ensure our patients understand what they are experiencing and what can be done about it. Keep reading to learn four facts that people are often surprised by. Then contact us at 805-658-9500 if you are ready to make an appointment with allergist.

1. Allergies can be developed later in life

It is true that most allergies will develop in children between the ages of four and six. However, this does not mean that a person cannot develop an allergy as they age. New allergies can have an unknown origin or they can be caused by changes in a person’s climate or surroundings. The bad news is that many people take a long time to realize that they have developed allergies because they don’t realize it can happen to adults.

2. Allergies are not necessarily forever

There are some allergies that last forever, such as seafood or nut allergies. However, other allergies can be outgrown as a person ages. Common examples include egg and milk allergies, which often go away over time. Other patients suffer with allergies related to pollen and outdoor weather, then find that it disappears. It is important to note that these allergies can certainly return too.

3. Most women can eat peanuts when pregnant

A rumor has been widely accepted in recent years that if a woman eats peanuts while she is pregnant, her child has a higher likelihood of developing a peanut allergy. This is not true. Unless a woman is allergic to peanuts and needs to avoid them anyway, or there is some particular reason that her pregnancy requires her to avoid the fats or oils in peanuts, there is no reason to avoid them when pregnant.

4. Allergies can take you on a rollercoaster

There are so many things that can affect your allergies, from weather patterns to seasonal changes. Allergies are not predictable at all, and what a person can struggle to live through one year could be no problem the next year.

If you have experienced allergies or symptoms that are consistent with allergies, we urge you to contact Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group at 805-658-9500 to find out how we can help. Do not accept that you must simply live with your allergies. There are very often steps that can be taken to greatly reduce or get rid of allergies altogether.