– We have seen claims that the treatment can prevent pollen allergy, that you can become allergy-free, says Nina Elise Dietzel. She is section chief in the Norwegian Consumer Agency, which earlier in June killed five players. The pollen season is in full swing. There is now a moderate to strong spread of grass pollen in several places in Norway. Many are very bothered, and experience reduced work capacity and impaired quality of life during the season. Over one million Norwegians struggle with pollen allergy. The advertisements are aimed at, among others, these. – We found a particularly serious case. Homeopathy is mentioned as a form of vaccine against allergies. All of these are effect claims that are in conflict with the regulations for marketing alternative treatment, Dietzel explains. Punish? The therapists must remove the advertisements … Warning to those who want children There are strict rules for how alternative therapists can market what they do. The reason is that such treatment largely lacks scientific support. Nina Elise Dietzel, section manager in the Norwegian Consumer Agency. Photo: Dag Jenssen / Forbrukertilsynet – It is allowed to mention that treatment is offered for specific diseases and disorders. But it is in no way allowed to claim that the treatment will have an effect against specific diseases or disorders, says Dietzel. The therapists are also not allowed to undermine or weaken confidence in the ordinary health service. One of the victims claimed that antihistamines – which are central to scientifically proven treatment of allergies – are not good for those who want children. Claim about sperm quality The picture comes from the Frøya Clinic in Oslo. The website states that they specialize in involuntary infertility and treat this with, among other things, acupuncture, homeopathy, reflexology and herbs. The photo was posted on Instagram with sentimental text to: “Are you allergic and taking antihistamines? Then it can lead to reduced sperm quality. Possibly it can also be unfortunate for women to take it too ». Furthermore, they encouraged to seek out an acupuncturist or homeopath. Photo: Screenshot Anette Heggemsnes says the intention was not to weaken confidence in the ordinary health service. – This was a simple post on social media where we see that we should have spent more time on the use of language and form in the post, she writes in an e-mail to news. She refers to a Japanese case study from 2006. The researchers concluded that two men may have become infertile as a result of allergy medicine. An Argentine animal study assumes the same. The Asthma and Allergy Association believes it is speculative to conclude on such a thin basis. As for the vaccine claim, Heggemsnes replies that they could have worded themselves differently. – We also want to emphasize that we at the clinic work with involuntary infertility, and that we do not treat allergies. Thus, the Instagram post was more intended as a general information. The record has been removed. – It was unfortunate and something we of course take note of in our future communication. Connected allergy to energy in the liver Reflexologist Britt Marion Sørensen at Gofoten Raufoss, was fielded for an Instagram post she initiated as follows: «Allergies? Then it is important that the energy in the liver flows in a balanced way ». Furthermore, they wrote that it is recommended to start prevention of allergies early. Sørensen was shocked when she received a phone call about the felling. – I wanted to find out what I do, and felt confident in this. I have only received positive feedback from those I have treated. And I have felt it myself, she says to news. It was the Asthma and Allergy Association that complained to the therapists. Sørensen believes they should read up on what the liver organ does. At the same time, she apologizes for the wrong marketing. – I have deleted what I wrote, lay down flat and apologized. Photo: Screenshot Wrote that acupuncture is the best method Acupuncturist Vivianne Cantin, operator of Acupuncture Cantin in Moss, also lies flat. – I think it was uncomfortable to be felled. I must honestly admit that. I am very sorry that I have said things I do not have the right to say, and will be more careful, she says to news. The clinic was fielded for an Instagram post. Below a picture of birch, it said about the prevention of pollen allergy. And that acupuncture is “the best and side-effect-free way”. Photo: Screenshot After the deletion, the text has changed. – I thought it was allowed to use the word “prevent”. I find it difficult to know exactly what wording I can use, so I have deleted very, very much. From what I understand, I might say that I treat allergies – but nothing about the effect. The health center in Ålesund claimed on its website that one can become allergy-free with acupuncture. Photo: Screenshot They just stopped offering acupuncture, regardless of the audit. The text has been removed from the web pages. The fifth therapist who was killed is Mona S. Anderssen at the Bowen Tid clinic in Lillestrøm. Photo: Screenshot In the Instagram post it was stated that the therapy can affect the function of the nervous system, increase the “vagal tone”, so that the immune system does not look at pollen as an intruder in the body. According to the Asthma and Allergy Association, it is difficult to involve the nervous system in allergy treatment based on the available documentation. – The marketing has been rectified and the case has been closed with the Norwegian Consumer Agency, she writes in a message to news. Concerned that people are ignoring medical advice Anna Bistrup explains why the Asthma and Allergy Association complained about the alternative therapists: – Having actors who offer treatment and medicines that have no effect is very problematic. Both for those who suffer from allergies, but also socio-economically by people taking treatment that does not work. Anna Bistrup, health advisor in the Asthma and Allergy Association. Photo: Leif Rune Løland / news The association is especially critical of those who advise people not to follow the advice of doctors. According to Bistrup, it is important that allergy sufferers receive the right treatment to prevent long-term health problems. – Pollen allergy sufferers who inhale pollen in the spring have an increased risk of developing allergic asthma, among other things, says Bistrup. Those who have been caught have thus been ordered to remove the illegal marketing. – If this does not happen, the tone may become stricter. Violation of the regulations can ultimately lead to a coercive fine. But the vast majority of cases are resolved by pointing out what needs to be adjusted, and that it is cleaned up without the use of financial sanctions, says Nina Elise Dietzel in the Norwegian Consumer Agency.
ttn-69
The Norwegian Consumer Agency included five therapists – news Trøndelag
