More and more misconceptions are circulating around allergies and allergens. On the occasion of its annual congress, the American College of Allergy takes stock of these common places.
Gluten or iodine allergy, hypoallergenic animals… Clichés about allergies are commonplace. In the Internet age, they are even more widespread: 72% of patients get information on the Internet. However, misconceptions can have a heavy impact on health. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), on the occasion of its annual conference, the day between myths and realities around 7 allergies.
Allergies that don’t exist
Some people complain of allergies to artificial colors. There is currently no scientific evidence for this claim. On the other hand, a controversy exists around a link between these dyes and behavioral disorders in children, chronic urticaria and asthma. An intolerance could exist.
On the seafood allergy side, people who suffer from it believe that they cannot perform a medical imaging examination based oniodine. Indeed, in the context of certain radios, an iodine solution is injected to obtain better contrast. Since seafood contains iodine, many doctors link this component to allergy. This is wrong, insists the ACAAI: iodine cannot and is not an allergen since the body naturally contains it.
Those who think they are allergic to gluten go without bread. Gluten intolerance exists, but an allergy is extremely rare. The majority of people who claim they are actually allergic to flour. This misconception is due to a frequent self-diagnosis, without medical advice. This can take a heavy toll on health, as those affected deprive themselves of essential foods.
Vaccines avoided
Many people are allergic to eggs who ignore vaccines. Egg embryos are often used to cultivate viruses such as influenza, yellow fever or rabies. But not getting vaccinated is dangerous because vaccines protect against serious illnesses.
Until recently, doctors assumed that the introduction of highly allergenic foods should not happen until a child is one year old. A study has shown that avoiding allergens after 6 months was not more effective. New theories even suggest that introducing allergenic foods into the diet early may promote tolerance to them.
Received ideas
The animals “Hypoallergenic,” contrary to what some claim, does not exist. Allergens are transmitted through saliva, the sebaceous and perianal glands, not through the fur. It is therefore impossible that an animal is not “allergenic.” On the other hand, it is true that some trigger more violent reactions than others.
Finally, no need to make home tests to reveal all allergies. This type of examination can only be performed with a certified allergist. These house tests do, at best, only reveal a sensitivity. They can also lead to misinterpretations or confused diagnoses.
“If you suspect you have an allergy,” concludes Dr Stukus, allergist and ACAAI member, “you should see a certified allergist for proper evaluation, diagnosis and treatment. Misdiagnosis and improper treatment can be dangerous. “Indeed, depriving yourself of certain foods because you suspect an allergy can have a significant impact on health, as well as not applying health recommendations.
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