{"id":17784,"date":"2021-01-21T13:03:48","date_gmt":"2021-01-21T18:03:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getmaple.ca\/?p=17784"},"modified":"2025-11-11T15:18:10","modified_gmt":"2025-11-11T20:18:10","slug":"four-common-allergy-myths","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getmaple.ca\/blog\/four-common-allergy-myths\/","title":{"rendered":"Four common allergy myths"},"content":{"rendered":"

Itchy skin, stuffy nose, watery eyes\u2014we all know the telltale signs of allergies<\/a>. Pollen and plants aren\u2019t the only causes of these unpleasant symptoms. Substances in your food, household, and even your soap can trigger an allergic reaction. Here\u2019s a look at some common misconceptions to do with allergies, and tips for keeping your allergies under control.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Myth \u2014 sinus rinsing is dangerous<\/span><\/h2>\n

Rinsing your stuffed-up sinuses with clean water or saline solution can relieve the discomfort of nasal congestion. There are tools you can use to flush out your sinuses, like Neti pots. They\u2019re designed to gently push mucus, allergens and debris out of your nasal passages so you can breathe.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There\u2019s been <\/span>debate<\/span><\/a> about whether sinus rinsing is a safe practice. Complications can arise from sinus rinsing with tools that weren\u2019t properly cleaned. Dirty tools flush bacteria into the nasal passage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sinus rinsing <\/span>isn\u2019t dangerous<\/span><\/a> as long as it\u2019s done with water that’s been boiled or distilled. This is necessary for cleaning any tools you insert into your nasal passage. Avoid using tap water to clean your device unless it\u2019s been boiled first.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another misconception about nasal flushing is the more you do it, the better you\u2019ll feel. The truth is, sinus infections have been <\/span>linked<\/span><\/a> to rinsing too often. There\u2019s no need to sinus rinse if you aren\u2019t congested. Your nose is able to clean itself naturally. If you are congested, start with rinsing once daily and see if it helps your symptoms, to a maximum of three times daily.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Myth \u2014 cleaning products don\u2019t cause allergies\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Clean environments have fewer allergens. That\u2019s why keeping your home free of dust can help keep your allergies at bay. In Canada, <\/span>27%<\/span><\/a> of adults report being allergic to household dust.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When it comes to dust, what triggers your allergies is a microscopic creature called a dust mite. They thrive in warm, humid environments, and are often found in mattresses, sheets and carpets. Although dust mites don\u2019t bite, inhaling them or touching them can cause:<\/span><\/p>\n