PRESS RELEASE - DECEMBER 2000
COMMON MYTHS OF ALLERGY AND ASTHMA EXPOSED!
Allergies and asthma are very common in Australia and New Zealand. Around 1 in 3 people will develop allergies some time during their life, and about 1 in 10 will develop asthma. Far from being a trivial inconvenience, allergies have a significant impact on quality of life, are associated with medical complications and consume 20 per cent of Australia's health budget. Some allergies are even life threatening.
Unfortunately, many people confuse myth with reality in the way they view and treat allergies and asthma. For example, did you know that?
- There are no 'cures' for allergy and asthma - however, with appropriate diagnosis and management, most people with allergies and/or asthma can lead normal and active lives, with little disturbance to their quality of life.
- Hayfever is rarely caused by flowering plants - which are pollinated by birds and bees. It is usually triggered by wind blown pollen from certain grass, weed or trees like wattle.
- Moving away from allergen sources (e.g. interstate) can temporarily relieve allergy symptoms - however, symptoms sometimes develop in a few years to new allergens.
- Many children do not outgrow asthma and allergies - in some cases they may persist throughout adulthood.
- Smoking is a known trigger of asthma.
- Eliminating wheat and milk from a child's diet can adversely affect nutrition and is rarely a useful way of treating asthma or hayfever.
- Scientific studies have shown that MSG rarely triggers asthma.
- Allergies to animals can develop even if you do not have pets - in particular, dog and cat allergen can be carried on clothes.
- 'Alternative' tests for allergy is unreliable and scientifically unproven.
- Safe and effective treatments for asthma and allergy are available, including allergen avoidance, immunotherapy, inhaled corticosteroid puffers, leukotriene antagonist tablets, corticosteroid nasal sprays and non-sedating antihistamine tablets.
- Even a trace amount of peanut consumed by a peanut allergic person can be fatal.
For more detailed information on Common Myths in Allergy
For reliable and up to date information on allergies, asthma and immune diseases, visit:
'ascia education resources' (aer) @
http://www.allergy.org.au/
the website of the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ascia)
Disclaimer
It is important to note that information contained in aer information bulletins is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Any questions regarding a medical diagnosis or treatment should be directed to a medical practitioner.
Contact: Jill Smith - Ascia Education Project Officer
Ph: 041 2141358 Fax: (02) 9907 9773
Email:
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