Medical Marvels?: Debunking Health Myths

April 17, 2008 — -- Conventional wisdom sometimes has the best cures for the things that ail us. But as one medical review on antioxidants uncovered, some of our medical cures are more myth than medicine.

"Good Morning America" medical contributor Dr. Tim Johnson tried to separate fact from fiction on some hot-button issues, to find out what's true and what's hype.

Most people with serious allergies and asthma are told they should control dust mites in their house, but evidence suggests that controlling dust mites may not prevent allergies.

A review of 54 trials that looked at dust mite control suggested that it doesn't make a difference. Those trials do not prove that controlling dust mites -- either physically or chemically -- makes a difference in allergy attacks or asthma.

Ripping up the carpet or using chemical products recommended for dust mite control doesn't seem to make much difference, though that will shock those who have tried these measures.

We sent the study to a panel of experts, and their response was that the study might show that dust mite control could make a difference if it is used as part of a larger program, including using air conditioning and keeping your windows closed, washing your hair and clothes at night and keeping pets indoors.

Wrapping your mattress could also be helpful, but if that is your only effort to control dust mites it won't make much difference.

There's really a catfight between the company that developed so-called hypoallergenic cats and the experts.

Experts say there's no proof that the cats won't trigger the same kinds of allergies caused by normal felines -- and they are expensive. They range from $6,000 to $10,000, and some exotic breeds of the cats go for as much as $35,000.

Our medical unit looked into the customers' experience and the reaction was mixed. Some people swore by them, but others said they were not working at all.