Approximately 20% of the U.S. population suffers from allergies or asthma. Unfortunately, many of these individuals confuse myth with reality in the way they view and treat allergic disease. In an effort to elucidate these common myths, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) recently surveyed a panel of AAAAI clinicians focused on public outreach. There are many myths about asthma and allergies, some more serious than others.

Following are the top 10 myths revealed from the survey about asthma and allergies:

Allergies are a harmless problem.

Allergies are a serious problem and should be treated effectively. If left untreated, allergies can lead to impaired quality of life, including impaired sleep and learning ability, as well as missed school and work. Untreated allergies can also result in other chronic respiratory problems such as asthma, sinusitis or dermatologic disorders such as eczema and urticaria. Some allergies, such as food allergies, drug allergies or insect sting allergies can even lead to a life- threatening reaction called anaphylaxis–a systemic allergic reaction that sometimes can be fatal.

Some dog breeds, such as Chihuahuas, are better for people with asthma and allergies.

It is the protein found in the pet's saliva, dander and urine that causes allergies in some individuals, not the pet's hair. Since all dogs have dander, saliva and urine, there are no particular breeds which are better for people with asthma and allergies.

Children outgrow asthma.

Asthma is a chronic state of hyperresponsiveness. Some children have asthma symptoms that clear during adolescence while others worsen, but the tendency to overly sensitive airways remains. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict a child's clinical progress.

Asthma can be cured.

There is no cure for asthma. However, with the proper diagnosis and treatment, asthmatics can lead normal, active lives with little disturbance to quality of life.

Smoking does not trigger allergies or asthma.

Smoking is a known trigger of allergies and asthma and should not be ignored. Other triggers include, pollens, molds, animal dander, dust mites, cockroaches, latex, stinging insects and certain foods.

Alternative medications are equally effective as prescription medications.

Alternative medications should never substitute for traditional, scientifically-proven medical treatments for asthma and allergies. Alternative medications have only recently been subject to scientific scrutiny, so the safety and effectiveness of these therapies remains unknown.

Chiropractors can treat asthma effectively.

Asthma results from over reactivity of the immune system. Because of this, allergy and immunology specialists are often the best physicians to treat asthma and allergies. These specialists are pediatric or internal medicine physicians who have elected an additional two years of training to become specialized in the treatment of these diseases.

Continuous exposure to pets will decrease allergies.

Continuous exposure to pets will not decrease allergies. The best way to relieve symptoms is to remove the pet from the home. If removing the pet is not an option, pet owners should keep the pet out of the bedroom, bathe the pet twice weekly to reduce the amount of allergens into the air, have a non-allergic family member brush the pet outside and clean out the animal's cage or litter box frequently.

Moving to Southwestern states will cure asthma and allergies.

Moving to Southwestern states may relieve allergies for a few months. However, new allergies to local plants in the new area can develop within a short period of time. There is no safe place to move away from allergies and asthma.

Inhaled medications, such as inhalers, are dangerous.

Inhaled medications, including corticosteroids, are the safest and most effective means that currently exists to treat asthma.