Myth or Fact

The season is fast approaching of runny noses, stuffy sinuses and all the other misery that accompanies allergy season, so the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology wants to start your season off right by tossing a few popular allergy myths to the pollen-laden winds.

1.  Myth:

Over-the-counter (OTC, or nonprescription) oral antihistamines are just as effective as prescription medicines in controlling your stuffy nose.

Fact:

OTC antihistamines can help control some allergy symptoms but they have little effect on relieving a stuffy nose or the inflammation that often occurs with allergies. They also can make you drowsy…

2.  Myth:

OTC decongestant nasal sprays are addictive.

Fact:

OTC decongestant nasal sprays are not technically addictive. However, if you overuse them, it may seem as though they are because you may need to use more and more to get relief from the congestion…

3.  Myth:

Eating local honey will combat spring allergies.

Fact:

Local honey is made from the pollen of local flowers, so it might seem logical that eating it would increase your allergy tolerance. However, the pollens that cause spring allergies are produced by trees, grasses and weeds, not the showy flowers that bees buzz around. In fact, eating honey can be risky for some people, who could have an allergic reaction…

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