According to the CDC, a quarter of adults in the U.S. experience seasonal allergies while one in five kids suffer from them.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Spring is just a week away, and you probably have already started experiencing the runny nose and itchy eyes.
According to the CDC, a quarter of adults in the United States experience seasonal allergies. Meanwhile, one in five kids suffer from seasonal allergies.
WCNC Charlotte is looking at some common myths surrounding seasonal allergies. Let’s verify what’s real and what isn’t up to snuff.
OUR SOURCES:
THE CLAIM:
Pollen from flowers is the leading cause of allergies.
According to the Allergy & Asthma Network, while flowers do contain pollen, it’s not easily spread by the wind. Plus, it’s bigger and heavier than other pollen types
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America states that tree, grass, and weed pollen allergies are the most common in the U.S. That’s because these pollens are fine in size, meaning they are easily carried by the wind and easy to inhale.
THE CLAIM:
Taking local honey can treat seasonal pollen allergies.
“The problem with honey specifically is that the pollen the bees use mainly comes from flowers, and the pollen that we are allergic to is not the flower pollen,” Dr. Alekh Gupta with Atrium Health said.
THE CLAIM:
Moving to a drier climate like the southwest will cure spring allergies.
According to Family Allergy and Asthma, there is no allergy-free zone. Unfortunately, pollen allergies can occur anywhere. Desert plants can produce pollen like sagebrush, cottonwood, and olive trees. The timing of your allergies may be different but may not vanish altogether.
Contact Meghan Bragg at mbragg@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
