Karnataka - Bangalore

Asthma in 80 p.c. of cases caused by allergens

Special Correspondent

Bangalore: A survey of school absenteeism showed nearly 16 per cent of children in city schools with asthma and other respiratory ailments, invariably caused by allergies.

A leading immunologist in the U.S., Sudhir Parikh, visiting India in connection with the Prabasi Bharatiya Diwas, told The Hindu that asthma in 80 per cent of the cases is caused by allergies, and allergens were of various kinds, easily inhaled. "They can be pollen of different plants, dust mites, dander found in the fur of pet animals and some types of food, including eggs, milk, shellfish, some nuts or even chocolate,'' he said.

Identifying the allergens that affect an individual and immunising the person against them is the only lasting cure, he said. There are third generation anti histamines which do not make the patient drowsy or unable to drive a vehicle, Dr. Parikh said. "There are seasonal allergies and in India dust mites could be more prevalent during summer and in Bangalore, there may be more pollen in the air during cold weather and patients suffer most in such seasons. Some people may have to avoid walking outdoors in the mornings for the same reason. Keeping clear of food one is allergic too is a must.

"Asthma is controllable and many cases of childhood asthma can be cured well before adulthood. In the case of older persons who develop symptoms of asthma, treatment may be prolonged,'' Dr. Parikh said.

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