When it comes to allergies it seems that everyone has an opinion; from your mum, your neighbour and even the cashier at the supermarket. However, as we are well aware at team Dr Helen Allergy, opinion does not always equate to facts.
And, in this age of so much information – and misinformation – available at our fingertips it can be difficult to determine the difference between fact and fiction. The team at Dr Helen Allergy is united in providing evidence based, up to date, professional advice and treatment – in this blog the team debunks some common allergy myths and misunderstandings to help clarify the science amongst the speculation.
Allergy Myth 1 – “Allergies are not that much of a big deal”
If you have an allergy, or a member of your family who has an allergy, you will have almost certainly had an experience where that allergy has been dismissed or belittled by someone. Be that by a family member who says ‘surely a little bit of chocolate won’t harm them,’ a medical professional who has made you feel ‘over-anxious’ or a stranger at a soft play who is oblivious to their child spilling M&Ms into the ball pit.
If you have never experienced living with an allergy firsthand, it is difficult to understand the physical and mental impact of living with allergies. In the first instance, allergies can provoke medical symptoms which in some cases are life threatening. Allergy symptoms are varied and unpleasant, ranging from sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, coughing, wheezing, skin rashes, swelling, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis. It is not as simple as ‘a bit of a tummy ache’ or ‘a sniffle’ for the vast majority of allergy sufferers.
Furthermore, the mental load of allergies cannot be underestimated. As Dr Francesca, our resident clinical psychologist, explains “Living with allergies isn’t just a physical burden—it’s a constant mental calculation. You’re always scanning the environment, weighing risks, planning ahead. That invisible vigilance can quietly drain your emotional energy day after day.” This worry can be particularly profound for parents whose children suffer from allergies, as they try to navigate parenting their child with the additional burden that allergies bring.
Needless to say, allergies are indeed a huge deal! If you are struggling with the mental impact of allergies on you or your family, further resources are available here.
Allergy Myth 2 – “Allergies are a modern disease”
It is common for people to claim that allergies are a new phenomenon, a product of our modern environment or even of an overanxious new generation – however there is much more to this than meets the eye.
Allergies were in fact discovered well over 150 years ago, with allergic symptoms being recorded far earlier than that – appearing even in Ancient Rome and Greece. Nonetheless, the sharp increase in allergies in recent years is a trend which shows no sign in slowing down – particularly in the western world.
As explained by Allergy UK, one of the UK’s leading Allergy charities, “Allergies are on the rise, and by 2026, it’s estimated that 1 in 2 people in Europe will be living with an allergy.” Whilst this figure is higher than many Allergists would predict, it does highlight just how important appropriate allergy awareness, diagnosis and treatment is for all.
Allergy Myth 3 – “I can just test for an allergy with an online test”
These days you don’t have to look very far to find an online allergy or intolerance testing kit– with many companies offering blood or hair strand testing and analysis.
However, in reality, the limitations of this type of testing makes them all but a waste of your time and money. As Dr Helen explains “Often this type of testing measures IgG antibodies, which are not indicative of true food allergies. The immune mechanisms involved are complex and not well understood, making these tests unreliable for diagnosing food sensitivities or allergies.”
If you want to seek an allergy diagnosis for food or other allergens, it is best to seek advice from an allergy specialist who will be able to advise on the appropriate type of test that is needed and interpret their results accurately, ruling out other possible diagnoses on the way. You can read more about allergy testing here.
Allergy Myth 4 – “If you think you are allergic to a food, you need to avoid it at all costs!”
Team Dr Helen Allergy often meet patients who have cut out food groups from their diet, or their children’s diet or – in the case of breastfeeding mothers – both diets. And whilst this may seem like a logical solution when allergic symptoms first appear, in reality this method could be doing more harm than good.
Dr Penny, one of our paediatric dietitians, explains how unnecessary dietary restrictions can be harmful and can ‘lead to nutrient deficiencies, impaired growth, and even increase the risk of developing food aversions or disordered eating patterns. If you suspect a food allergy, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider or allergist for proper testing and diagnosis before making any dietary changes. A carefully guided approach helps ensure your child remains healthy and well-nourished.”
Furthermore, as Dr Helen adds, “The latest research advises, for many food allergies—particularly to things such as egg and milk—introducing the allergen in baked form, under the guidance of a specialist, may support the development of tolerance and increase the likelihood that a child will outgrow the allergy. This is because the baking process alters the protein structure, making it less likely to trigger a reaction.”
However, to do this safely and at the right time for the patient, you must follow the guidance of a clinician. They will be able to support introducing the food in a measured and gradual way, most commonly by following a food ‘ladder’ and monitoring the different stages. Find out more about our dietitian services here.
Allergy Myth 5 – “Allergies are something you just have to put up with”
At Dr Helen Allergy, this is something we are extremely passionate about; whilst being an allergy sufferer brings undeniable challenges, it does not mean you have to let them rule your life.
Our mission – to live well with allergies – is what we endeavour to facilitate for every patient that we meet through the correct diagnosis, support and treatment for their individual needs.
Whilst we do not claim to have ‘a cure’ for allergies (and advise being wary of anyone who does!) allergy diagnosis and treatment is changing and developing all the time – meaning that many people are now able to go on to tolerate their allergens in their daily lives. Allergy treatments are expanding in the UK (all be it a bit slower on the NHS than in private clinics) and no longer only include allergy avoidance.
There are a variety of medications available such as anti-histamines, steroid creams, nasal sprays and more to help manage symptoms. There are also increasing immunotherapy treatment options available to both adults and children – Immunotherapy involves giving small, gradually increasing amounts of an allergen (like pollen, dust mites, or peanuts) to help the immune system become less sensitive over time.
The goal is to reduce allergic reactions in the future, particularly from accidental exposure. To read more about Immunotherapy, you can read our recent blog post on it here.