Question 1

Can allergies be "cured for good"?

Accepted Answer

At present, most allergic diseases cannot be completely "cured for good," but by avoiding allergens, following proper treatment (for some types, allergen immunotherapy may be an option), and managing your lifestyle, symptoms can be well controlled over the long term. Any claim of a "cure" or "permanent fix" should be treated with caution.

Question 2

Is an allergy-prone constitution inherited?

Accepted Answer

Allergy tendencies run in families. If one parent has a history of allergies, the risk of the child developing allergies is higher than in the general population; if both parents have a history of allergies, the risk is even higher. Families with a family history should pay closer attention to early symptoms in infants and young children.

Question 3

Is sneezing often just a cold?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. A cold often comes with a sore throat and a mild fever, and it usually gets better on its own in about 1 week. If sneezing happens often, the nasal discharge is clear and watery, and the nose itches, and the symptoms last more than 2 weeks or come back at the same time each year, allergic rhinitis is more likely. It is a good idea to go to a regular hospital's allergy department for an evaluation.

Question 4

Do I need to thoroughly disinfect and remove dust mites at home?

Accepted Answer

Rather than disinfection, the more effective ways to reduce house dust mites are: wash bedding often (hot water above 55°C or tumble dry), lower indoor humidity, reduce the buildup of fabrics and plush toys, and keep rooms ventilated. Disinfectants have limited effect on house dust mite allergen itself.

Question 5

Can I buy medicine and take it myself for mild allergy symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Do not use medicine on your own for a long time. If symptoms are mild, you can first avoid the suspected trigger and watch how things go. If symptoms come back or get worse, see a doctor, who will choose a plan based on your situation. If you have severe signs such as trouble breathing or dizziness, call 120 right away.

Question 6

Can sun-drying bedding remove dust mites?

Accepted Answer

Sun-drying and beating bedding can remove some house dust mites, but the leftover dust mite bodies and droppings are still allergens. Also, putting bedding away before it is fully dry after sun-drying actually helps mites breed. More effective steps are washing in hot water above 55°C or drying on a high heat setting in a dryer, along with controlling indoor humidity.

Question 7

Why do I still have allergies if my allergen test is negative?

Accepted Answer

A negative test means that no specific antibodies to that substance were found. But some food allergies are caused by non-IgE mechanisms, so the test may be negative. Also, the allergen may be a substance that is not on the list being checked. Test results should be interpreted together with your medical history and judged by a doctor.

Question 8

Can allergen immunotherapy stop asthma attacks completely?

Accepted Answer

Allergen immunotherapy is a treatment that may change the course of an allergic disease. It can reduce symptoms and lower the need for medicine, but it does not guarantee that you will never have an attack again. The course of treatment is usually 3-5 years. It is only suitable for some patients, and a specialist doctor needs to assess you before deciding.

Question 9

Do allergy medicines make you sleepy?

Accepted Answer

First-generation antihistamines are more likely to cause drowsiness. After taking them, avoid driving and working at heights. Second-generation antihistamines cause much less drowsiness. Ask a doctor which medicine to choose, especially if you need to drive.

Question 10

Nasal corticosteroids contain hormones. Can I use them?

Accepted Answer

Intranasal corticosteroids are a first-line treatment for allergic rhinitis, and at recommended doses, very little is absorbed into the body. Whether they are right for you and how long to use them is decided by a doctor based on your condition. It is not recommended to refuse standard treatment because you are worried about "hormones," and it is also not recommended to use them long-term on your own without a doctor's instructions.

Question 11

When introducing solid foods to my child, should I delay common allergenic foods?

Accepted Answer

The current mainstream view is that there is no need to deliberately delay. After 4-6 months of age, introducing all kinds of foods on time and gradually (including egg, peanut products, and so on) may help lower the risk of allergy. Infants and young children who already have symptoms need to follow their child health care doctor's individual advice.

Question 12

Can breastfeeding prevent allergies?

Accepted Answer

Breastfeeding has many health benefits and is the recommended basic way to feed infants, but breastfeeding alone cannot guarantee that a child will not develop allergies. A mother does not need to avoid foods unnecessarily to "prevent allergies" unless she herself has a confirmed food allergy.

Question 13

If I am allergic to pets, do I have to give up my pet?

Accepted Answer

The most clearly effective step is to stop keeping the pet. If that is hard to do, you can try keeping the pet out of the bedroom, having someone without the allergy brush and wash the pet often, using an air purifier with a high-efficiency filter, cleaning more often, and seeing a doctor to assess treatment for your symptoms. Pet dander can stay in the home for months after the pet leaves.

Question 14

Will allergies get better on their own as a child grows up?

Accepted Answer

Some children with food allergy may become tolerant as they get older, but inhaled allergens such as house dust mite and pollen often persist, and allergic rhinitis may also develop into asthma. Rather than "waiting for it to get better with age," regular management with scheduled follow-up visits for assessment is more reliable.

Question 15

Can nasal saline irrigation be done every day?

Accepted Answer

Generally, doing it 1-2 times a day is safe. When symptoms are obvious, it can be increased appropriately. You must use distilled water, purified water, or boiled and cooled water. Do not directly use untreated tap water. During the acute phase of otitis media or when there is nasal bleeding, consult a doctor first.

Question 16

Is allergy caused by a weak immune system?

Accepted Answer

No. Allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to harmless substances. It is not the same as having "poor resistance." Taking supplements or using so-called "immune-boosting" products cannot prevent allergy, and some may even be harmful.

Question 17

Are probiotics and "anti-allergy" supplements useful?

Accepted Answer

Current evidence is inconsistent. No supplement has been proven to prevent or treat allergic disease. Food avoidance, environmental control, and standard treatment are the mainstays. Before using any supplement, talk to a doctor first, and do not use them to replace proper treatment.

Question 18

Once symptoms are under control, can I stop my medicine on my own?

Accepted Answer

It is not recommended to stop suddenly on your own. Symptoms stay under control because of ongoing treatment, and stopping too early often leads to a relapse. When to reduce or stop the medicine should be decided by a doctor at a follow-up visit based on your situation.

Question 19

If I accidentally eat a food I'm allergic to, how long should I watch for symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Severe symptoms usually appear within minutes to 2 hours after contact, but in a few cases they may be delayed. Even if symptoms ease, you should see a doctor for observation, because there is a risk of a second reaction. If you have a history of severe allergy, use your emergency medicine as instructed by your doctor and call 120.

Question 20

Can people with allergies exercise?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it is encouraged. If exercise triggers asthma, warm up for 10-15 minutes, avoid cold air and polluted environments, and carry reliever medicine with you. During pollen season, you can choose to exercise outdoors after rain or in the evening when pollen levels are lower. You can ask a doctor for a plan that fits you.

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