There are occasions when we come across explanations: “I sneeze a lot because I have an allergy”. On most occasions, chances are that persons who make such claims have no clue at all on whether their condition is indeed due to an allergy? If it is so, can their sneezing be cured or will they have to endure it regularly? What should they do to avoid such allergies in future?
Even general practitioners tend to concentrate on symptoms and prescribe drugs accordingly. They miss out on treating the patient holistically. This is the sad state where patients struggle with allergies but can’t explain their condition properly because of lack of information at their disposal.
“You can’t treat an allergic patient just based on symptoms. They should be given a holistic treatment starting from identifying the allergen, then avoiding it, medication and lifestyle modifications. Only then the patients will not have the same allergy again and again,” says CEO of Allergy and Asthma Network of India, Dr. Vyakarnam Nageshwar.
Allergies are caused by allergens, which could be any materiel capable of causing reactions in the human body. Roughly, there are 300 known allergens and most commonly occurring ones are found in food, plastic PVC items, latex, chilled or freezed items, dust in house, pollens, dirty bed sheets and unwashed cloths.
The allergist, who also manages the website www.allergyfreeidia.com, says that there is utter lack of information about allergens and the causative agents among general public. There are three basic modes through which one can get an allergy including ingestion, inhaling and contact.
Six major human organs usually succumb to allergies: lungs, nose, eyes, sinus, skin and abdomen. “If the airway passages are affected, then lungs get impacted leading to asthma. When allergens cause running nose, then we call that condition as allergic rhinitis. Similarly, there is allergic sinusitis, conjunctivitis of the eye, allergic urticaria or skin rashes and intestinal allergies,” he says.
“While treating the allergic patients, doctor needs to have their complete family history and lifestyle. There is a definite need for more awareness on allergies, which should start from State-run teaching hospitals,” the allergic specialist adds. For more information: Helpline: 1800 425 0095.
