Allergies are no more seasonal in city, warn doctors

Allergies are no more seasonal in city, warn doctors
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: Seasonal allergies, common in a city like Bangalore, are turning out to be perennial ones, warn city doctors. Besides, cases of indoor allergies are on the rise in alarming proportions, they say.

‘‘Allergies triggered by weather conditions including running nose, itchy eyes and skin eruptions and rashes are now common throughout the year. Increased pollution owing to rapid urbanisation and stagnant climatic conditions are the reasons behind this phenomenon,’’ says Dr. E.V. Raman an ENT specialist in Manipal Hospital.

Bangalore, he says, is an allergy zone due to its climatic conditions. Moreover, industrialisation and increased pollution over the years have doubled the cases, he adds.

There has been a steady increase in the cases in recent years, almost 30 to 40 percent, point out city doctors. This has resulted in more people getting affected with chronic diseases including asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis and permanent pigmentation, they say.

Habits of smoking besides increased medication and use of steroids have also contributed to the present plight. ‘‘Common allergies people suffer from include asthma, skin allergies, eye allergy, food allergies, ear allergy, hay fever, rhinitis, drug allergy and cosmetic allergies and lots more,’’ said Dr. K.N. Mohan Rao, Head of the Pulmonology Department at MS Ramaiah Memorial Hospital.

And, even staying indoors would not help one to avoid allergies, it seems. ‘‘Allergies are also caused due to insects, pets and dust mites, ’’ says Dr. Raman. Eye allergies are caused due to radiation from televisions and computers, affecting both adults and children, he said.

‘‘More cases are being reported from software companies and other offices, which are fully air-conditioned, which shows that cases of indoor allergies are on a rise,’’ say the doctors.

Apart from the indoor allergens, the uncleaned air filters that trigger circulation of dust in the room can be the cause, they point out.

Allergies, which are often inherited, cannot be cured. But one can avoid allergy symptoms. ‘‘Keep the surroundings clean, find out factors causing allergy and avoid them,’’ said dermatologist Dr. S.C. Rajendran.

The treatment options include immunotherapy, which can enhance one’s immunity levels, and use of anti-histamine or topical corticosteroids. Inhalers are the best for asthma patients, he said.