Brad Shaw
If you’ve ever spent a spring morning sneezing like a faulty accordion or rubbing your eyes as if you’re trying to start a fire with them, you’ll know allergies don’t need to be life-threatening to be life-ruining. And because the internet is a bustling marketplace for allergy myths, Samsung has decided to wade in with a splash of cold, clear water—teaming up with renowned allergy expert Dr Glenis Scadding to debunk the big ones, just in time for World Wellbeing Week.
Many of us have experienced at least one allergy in our lifetime—animal dander, insect bites, dust, pollen, take your pick. The good news is reactions often pass relatively quickly.
The bad news is when they flare up, they can take your mood, your sleep and your dignity with them. Itchiness, runny eyes and sneezing are just some of the unpleasant symptoms that can leave you looking like you’ve lost a fight with a feather pillow.
Samsung’s angle here is simple: less exposure, fewer flare-ups, better days. “At Samsung we are committed to improving the wellbeing of our customers wherever possible,” explains Dan Harvie, the Vice President of Home Appliances at Samsung.
“We know that allergies, whether mild or serious, can be deeply unpleasant, which is why we have developed innovative products such as the Samsung AirDresser and Jet™ Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner which include specially designed features to help minimise exposure to allergens and prevent reactions.
On World Wellbeing Week, we wanted to go one step further which is why we have teamed up with renowned allergy expert Dr Glenis Scadding to talk facts about allergies and provide some much-needed clarity around commonly held beliefs.”
And that’s where Dr Scadding comes in—swatting away common allergy myths with the calm authority of someone who’s seen every “miracle cure” and lived to tell the tale.
Five common allergy myths – debunked by Dr Glenis Scadding
1) “Allergies are something you are born with”
“Interestingly, allergies can be passed down through our genes, so you may be born with the same allergies as your parents. However, this is certainly not always the case. Lots of allergies develop as you grow and are exposed to different allergens. Your immune system then mistakenly interprets them as harmful, causing unpleasant allergic reactions.”
In other words: yes, your family tree can be a clue—but it’s not the whole story. Allergies can show up later, uninvited, like a distant cousin who stays too long and eats all the biscuits.
2) “Allergies are for life”
“Lots of people think they will suffer from the same allergies throughout their life. Whilst this is often the case; it can also change at any point and without explanation. You can develop a new allergy in adulthood and similarly, you can also outgrow an allergy. The reasons for this are still being researched, but it’s certainly possible.”
This is one of those allergy myths that sounds depressing enough to be true—but reality is messier, and occasionally kinder. Some people outgrow allergies; others collect new ones like unwanted souvenirs.
3) “The only treatment for allergies is avoidance”
“Avoidance is not the only treatment for allergies. Antihistamines and steroids can also really help people to manage symptoms if prescribed correctly. That said, minimising exposure to allergens is the best way to maintain your wellbeing.
Fortunately, if you are prone to reactions caused by pollen, pet hair or dust there are some simple ways to do this, regular vacuuming for example can really help. The Samsung Jet™ range for example, includes a 5 Layered HEPA Filtration System which has been verified and certified by the British Allergy Foundation (BAF).
This cordless vacuum cleaner captures dust particles and allergens that would normally escape back into the air through the exhaust. The accompanying Clean Station is also great for allergy sufferers as it incorporates a highly advanced dust filtration system that stops dust flying everywhere when emptying the vacuum canister.”
Avoidance matters—but it’s not the only play in the book. Think of it like managing fitness: you don’t just stop moving; you use the right tools and routines. Regular cleaning, correct medication, and reducing airborne triggers can all help—especially for the dust-and-dander brigade.
4) “Hay fever is impossible to avoid because pollen floats in the air”
“Hay fever or pollen allergies are amongst the most difficult to control because the allergen particles are very small and are carried in the air. However, these particles can also get caught on materials such as clothing, furniture and bedding which can exacerbate allergies – so keeping these items clean and sterilised can be advantageous.
Fortunately, with the Samsung AirDresser you can simply hang these items inside and the powerful combination of air and steam will remove any dust and germs, refreshing and sanitising clothes simultaneously.”
Yes, pollen is airborne—but it’s also a clingy little stowaway. It hitches rides on jumpers, sofas, curtains and bedding, turning your home into a slow-motion sneeze trap. This is where cleaning fabrics—and not just floors—becomes part of the anti-allergy myths reality check.
5) “Hay fever is worse at night”
“Hay fever symptoms can feel worse at night, particularly if they are preventing you from drifting off to sleep. But pollen levels are usually at their highest in the early evening and early morning. If you are struggling to sleep, it may help to sanitise your bedding. Popping your duvet cover and pillowcases in the Samsung AirDresser is a quick and easy way to achieve this.”
Night-time can feel worse because you’re trying to sleep and your nose has other career ambitions. But timing matters: early evening and early morning can be prime pollen periods—so what you bring into bed (on you, on fabrics, on hair and clothing) can make a difference.
The simple takeaway: fewer triggers, better wellbeing
The most stubborn allergy myths usually share one thing: they make people feel powerless. Dr Scadding’s point is the opposite—symptoms can be managed, and exposure can often be reduced with straightforward habits, the right treatment when appropriate, and a bit of attention to where allergens actually settle (spoiler: it’s not just “in the air”).
For those who want to explore Samsung’s appliances mentioned here, the company says more information is available on the Samsung UK website.
