In short, an allergy is an overactive or unusual reaction from the immune system caused by a specific substance. Common symptoms include itchy eyes, wheezing, and sneezing. For some people, allergies are just annoying, but for others, they can be deadly.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 60 million people in the U.S. deal with allergies every year.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says about 20% of people worldwide have some kind of allergic condition.
Hay fever, one of the most common allergies, affected around 19.2 million U.S. adults in 2018—and that number is expected to keep climbing.
Dr. Omid Mehdizadeh, an ear, nose, and throat specialist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, told Medical News Today:
“Allergies are on the rise in the U.S. Scientists think the increase in environmental allergies is linked to shifting weather patterns and longer pollen seasons.”
Given how common allergies are, it’s important to separate fact from fiction. Below, we debunk 11 common allergy myths.
Key Points:
1. Allergies only happen in kids
Some people think adults can’t develop new allergies—but that’s not true.
One study looked at food allergies in 40,443 U.S. adults and found that 10.8% had at least one food allergy. Shockingly, half of them developed at least one of those allergies as adults.
2. There’s no treatment for allergies
The best way to avoid allergic reactions is to steer clear of triggers, whether it’s a certain food or animal. While there’s no cure, some treatments help ease symptoms:
- Decongestants can clear up nasal congestion.
- Antihistamines and nasal steroid sprays can also help.
- Allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots) can reduce sensitivity over time.
As the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology explains:
“Immunotherapy works by gradually exposing a person to small, increasing doses of an allergen. This helps the immune system become less reactive, easing symptoms over time.”
3. Food allergies and food intolerances are the same
Nope—they’re totally different.
- Food allergies involve the immune system, usually triggered by Immunoglobulin E (IgE). This causes a fast reaction (like hives or swelling).
- Food intolerances don’t involve the immune system, and symptoms (like bloating or headaches) take longer to appear.
Most importantly, food allergies can be life-threatening, while intolerances are just uncomfortable.
4. Allergies last forever
Not always! Some allergies fade with age.
Dr. Mehdizadeh told MNT: “Some allergies may simply go away over time.”
It depends on the allergen:
- Kids often outgrow allergies to milk, eggs, soy, and wheat.
- Allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish tend to stick around for life.
5. Peanut allergies are the most dangerous
While peanut allergies affect 6.1 million Americans and can be serious, any allergy can be severe. Reactions depend on the person—some might have mild symptoms, while others could go into anaphylaxis.
6. Colds and allergies are the same
They share symptoms (like sneezing and congestion), but they’re different:
- Colds are caused by viruses and last 1–2 weeks.
- Allergies are triggered by allergens and can last years (or a lifetime).
7. Short-haired pets don’t cause allergies
False! Allergies aren’t triggered by fur—they’re caused by dander (dead skin), saliva, and urine. Plus, pet hair can trap pollen and mold, making allergies worse.
8. Hypoallergenic pets don’t exist
Despite popular belief, no dog or cat breed is truly hypoallergenic. As the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) says:
“Allergic reactions aren’t affected by fur length or shedding.”
9. Being around pets reduces allergies
Nope—constant exposure won’t make allergies better. In fact, some pet owners develop allergies over time.
Dr. Mehdizadeh explains:
“Once your immune system reacts to an allergen (like pet dander), you stay allergic unless treated with controlled immunotherapy (allergy shots).”
However, research suggests that kids exposed to pets early in life may be less likely to develop allergies to them later.
10. Allergies aren’t a big deal
For many, allergies are just annoying—but for some, they can be deadly. Severe reactions can lead to anaphylaxis, which causes:
- Trouble breathing
- Swelling (face, throat, eyes)
- Stomach cramps
- Loss of consciousness
Even hay fever can wreck your quality of life by causing:
- Poor sleep & daytime fatigue
- Trouble focusing at work
- Lower productivity (studies show it’s worse than high blood pressure or diabetes!)
11. Flowers cause hay fever
Actually, flowers aren’t the main culprit. Hay fever comes from light, airborne pollen (usually from grasses and trees). Flowers produce heavy, sticky pollen that doesn’t float in the air.
Final Thoughts
Allergies are incredibly common—ranging from mild nuisances to life-threatening conditions. Because they’re so widespread (and sometimes unpredictable), myths about them spread easily.
While there’s no cure yet, researchers are working on better treatments. Hopefully, one day, allergies won’t be such a burden.