ATLANTA, GA (November 7, 2014) – People who suffer from allergies want to keep up-to-date on the latest information regarding treatment, but it's not always easy. Some doctors don't even know fact from fiction when it comes to treating allergies.
According to a study presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting, prevailing allergy myths have a long shelf life. The study surveyed 409 physicians – either in internal medicine or pediatrics – on the topic of treating allergies. The physicians all received six questions on allergy treatment, but because pediatricians treat children's allergies, they answered three additional questions.
"We asked what the best first treatment was for a patient experiencing vomiting and hives after eating a known food allergen," said allergist and ACAAI member Kara Wada, MD, lead study author. "Only 50 percent of internal medicine physicians knew it was epinephrine. And 85 percent of internal medicine physicians thought the flu vaccine shouldn't be given to egg-allergic patients. It's now known that it's safe for those with egg allergies to get the flu shot."
Other myths reported in the survey include:
"If you suspect you or your child has an allergy, it's important to see a board-certified allergist," said allergist and ACAAI fellow and member David Stukus, MD, senior study author. "Allergists are first board-certified in pediatrics and/or internal medicine, and then have an additional two years of training in the specialty of allergy/immunology. It's that training that makes them the best qualified to treat allergic conditions of all kinds."
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For more information about asthma and to locate an allergist in your area, visit AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org . The ACAAI Annual Meeting is being held Nov. 6-10 at the Georgia World Congress Convention Center in Atlanta. For more news and research being presented at the meeting, follow the conversation on Twitter #ACAAI. View the latest news online at ACAAI Annual Meeting Press Kit.
About ACAAI
The ACAAI is a professional medical organization of more than 6,000 allergists-immunologists and allied health professionals, headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill. The College fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which its members work together and with others toward the common goals of patient care, education, advocacy and research. ACAAI allergists are board-certified physicians trained to diagnose allergies and asthma, administer immunotherapy, and provide patients with the best treatment outcomes. For more information and to find relief, visit AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org . Join us on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.