Common Symptoms of an Allergy and How to Treat Them

Though allergies in India rarely make headlines, they are as much a part of life for many individuals as elsewhere. In fact, about one in every three persons in India suffers from allergies—whenever you meet someone, chances are that he/she might have an allergy. In the event one is afflicted, are the symptoms quite similar to the usual ones, or do Indian conditions bring with them their own particular kind of symptoms? Let us answer such questions and more in this article.

What Do Allergy Symptoms in India Typically Look Like?

The good news is that, on the whole, the symptoms of allergies in India match those in the West: sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, runny nose, itchy and red eyes, hives, and anaphylaxis, where a life-threatening allergic reaction can cause throat swelling, breathlessness, and even shock.

But if your allergies are triggered by the pollens of local flora or other organic pollutants, you may experience some usual symptoms that often go unrecognized, such as mental or physical fatigue, headaches and dizziness, body aches and pains, digestive tract problems such as diarrhea, constipation or nausea.

Though most of these signs and symptoms do not require a doctor’s visit (unless the symptom is asthma, in which case immediate medical attention should be sought), it is important to take note of any sudden changes in your body and seek help accordingly.

Allergy Triggers

Unlike in the West, allergies in India are often caused by environmental pollution and dust mites, or natural elements such as pollens, different grains, fodder, milk products and other dairy, and food items. Specific symptoms vary depending on the type of allergen. For example, some people may suffer from itching and watery eyes when exposed to summer pollens, while others may react to dust mites and have difficulty in breathing.

Doctors usually carry out a patch test to determine the allergen causing the reaction. Additionally, one should avoid direct contact with known allergens, and take the necessary steps to minimize their exposure and prevent further health complications. A doctor may suggest taking a nasal spray or an antihistamine to reduce the severity of allergic reactions and to ease the discomfort.

How to Diagnose Allergies in India?

Diagnosing an allergy should begin with understanding the individual’s history and lifestyle. For example, questions like when and where the reaction started, if it is recurrent or chronic, ongoing exposure to specific environmental elements or foods, and so on, will help the doctor to understand your condition better.

Patients should also provide details on their medical history, such as if they suffer from any existing medical condition, or had any previous allergies. Some very common tests used to determine allergies includes blood tests and skin tests, both of which will reveal which element or food a person is allergic to.

Management of Allergy Symptoms in India

The first line of management for any kind of allergy is simply to eliminate the allergen from the individual’s diet or environment. But that might not always be a possibility, in which case he or she can refer to the doctor for the drug management approach. Medication given by the doctor may include steroids, antihistamines, immunotherapy, short-acting bronchodilators, nasal sprays, etc. If the doctor prescribes any medications, the patient must take them as prescribed and follow the guidelines strictly.

It is also important to note that keeping a clean environment at home and at work can help greatly in managing allergy symptoms. Dust mites and dust particles must be controlled through cleaning, dusting, and vacuuming regularly, and making sure to keep the environment hygienic. Proper ventilation and air circulation will also reduce airborne allergens, thereby improving air quality.

Besides treatment and prevention, individuals must also be educated on the type of allergic reaction they might be having, and the importance of avoidance of known triggers. They should also be taught simple lifestyle modifications that can be made to live symptom-free life.

Conclusion

Allergy symptoms in India can vary from person to person, depending largely on their individual environment, lifestyle, and existing medical conditions. With proper diagnosis and management, however, individuals can easily live a comfortable and symptom-free life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to the most asked common questions related to allergy symptoms.

 What are the most common allergy symptoms?

The most common allergy symptoms include sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, runny nose, itchy and red eyes, hives, and anaphylaxis. In anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction can cause throat swelling, breathlessness, and even shock.

What are the common allergens in India?

Common allergens in India include environmental pollution, dust mites, pollens, different grains, fodder, milk products, and other dairy and food items.

How can one manage allergy symptoms?

The first line of management for any kind of allergy is to eliminate the allergen from the individual’s diet or environment. Besides, one should also take the medications prescribed by the doctor and maintain a clean environment to minimise allergic reactions.