During the winter months, colds, flu, and other respiratory illnesses are quite common. These infections have also been linked to an increase in asthma symptoms. When an asthmatic inhales cold, dry air, the muscles in the lungs may spasm in an attempt to keep the airways open. This irritates the airway lining even more, resulting in coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Asthma symptoms and flare-ups can be triggered by chilly air, especially when it is dry. The dryness of cold air can cause breathing issues for many persons with asthma. Some of the symptoms are coughing, whether dry or with phlegm, wheezing, especially while exhaling, shortness of breath and stiffness in the chest. Symptoms might also be triggered by cold air combined with windy circumstances. The more severe your asthma is, the more likely you are to be affected by cold air.

Tips to manage asthma during winter:

1. Before the winter approaches, make sure your asthma is under control. Consult your doctor to create an asthma action plan, and then follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the medications he or she recommends.

2. If you plan to exercise outside in chilly weather, use your inhaler 15 to 30 minutes before you start. This opens up your airways, allowing you to breathe more easily. Carry an inhaler with you at all times in case of an asthma attack. Warm up for at least 10 to 15 minutes before exercising, and keep your face warm by using a mask or scarf.

3. Make use of humidifiers in your home. Keep them mould-free, and if dust mites and mould are causing your problems, keep your house cold and dry to prevent their growth. Filters in your heating and cooling air ducts should be cleaned and replaced on a regular basis. Ensure that filters are cleaned at the start of each season. Check on a regular basis to ensure that the interior air quality is optimal.

4. If you are sensitive to pet dander, limit your time with them. Maintain a pet-free environment in your room.

5. Hands should be washed often using a hand sanitizer or washing with soap for 20 second to avoid transmitting germs.

Also read: The Asthma Diet : What you eat definitely makes a difference

Refer to the asthma action plan you created with your doctor if you start to wheeze or feel short of breath. Other basic recommendations for what to do if you experience an asthma attack include: Using a quick-acting rescue inhaler, take two to six puffs. The drug should help you breathe more easily by opening up your airways. Instead of an inhaler, you might be able to utilise a nebulizer. A nebulizer is a device that converts your medicine into a tiny mist that you inhale. Wait 20 minutes before taking another dosage if your symptoms aren’t severe but don’t improve after the first few puffs from your inhaler and call your doctor as soon as you feel better.

Despite the fact that winter eliminates seasonal pollen allergies, millions of people suffer from additional winter allergies as a result of their inactivity. In the winter, distinguishing between an allergy and a cold might be difficult. In both cases, sneezing, a runny nose, and congestion are frequent symptoms. Allergies, on the other hand, are the immune system’s reaction to an irritant or trigger, whereas colds are viral infections.  Winter allergens, including moulds, dust mites, and animal dander, can cause illness in the house. Airborne dust comprising lint, fabric fibre, microorganisms, food stuff, and animal dander is circulated by forced-air furnaces. House dust mites, animal dander, and cockroach droppings are three of the most frequent allergens, and they are all worsen in the winter when there is less ventilation causing allergies.

Following are some tips to minimize allergen exposure:

1. Use a humidifier to lessen dryness in the air as dust mites and mould grow at humidity above 60% and temperatures between 60- and 85-degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Avoid using wall-to-wall carpeting, which creates a breeding ground for dust mites. Instead, use area rugs.

3. Cleaning, dusting, and vacuuming should be done on a regular basis, preferably using a vacuum equipped with a high-efficiency particle air filter. Wash linens regularly in hot water to kill dust mites at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit, and use hypoallergenic coverings for mattresses and pillows to keep dust mites contained.

4. Bathe pets once a week to reduce dander, but not more frequently, since too frequent bathing can dry up a pet’s hair and skin and keep animals out of the bedroom of anybody in the family who has allergies.

5. Consult your doctor and pharmacist to see whether using any over-the-counter medicine is appropriate for your symptoms and any adverse effects.

Dr. Pavan Yadav

Consultant – Interventional Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, Bengaluru

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Allergic rhinitis, also known as Hay Fever is an allergic response to certain particles and  is a common health condition among adults and children. This condition can trigger an allergic response in the nasal mucosa leading to cold and cough. It is estimated that around 15-30% of the Indian population suffers from allergic rhinitis. As high as 70% of people with asthma may have allergic rhinitis as a co-existing health condition. The population of children having this condition is estimated to be approximately 40% especially in urban areas like Bangalore.

Allergic rhinitis is mostly seasonal and it can trigger due to the pollen particles among children and also due to freshly cut grass or flowers. Few might also get allergic rhinitis throughout the year due to dust mites, concrete dust particles, cockroach residue, animal dander or environmental pollutants. Along with this, a lot of other substances can also trigger allergy like reaction – strong perfumes, tobacco smoke, strong cooking aroma etc can also act as irritants.

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis among kids

Allergic rhinitis is triggered by the entry of the allergy-causing substance into the nostrils of a child who is prone to it. The symptoms are –

1. Stuffy nose with a feeling of constant blockage.
2. Water discharge from the nose (clear).
3. Throat irritation because of the nasal secretions dripping to the back of the throat.
4. Itching of the nose, eyes and ears.
5. Sneezing which happens in bouts of many.
6. Puffy eyes
7. Irritated congested red eyes
8. Cough which is usually dry.
9. Nose bleeds due to excessive rubbing of the nose.

These symptoms may then lead to other issues which include

1. Tiredness and fatigue due to poor sleep because of the nose blockage.
2. Irritable and lack of concentration due to constant itching in the nose.
3. Nose bleeds especially at night due to vigorous rubbing of the nose.
4. Low threshold of developing ear infections.
5. Headaches or heaviness of the head.
6. Excessive itching of the eyes can cause dark circles under the eyes.
7. A crease may develop at the top of the nose due to constant rubbing.

Is allergic rhinitis genetic?

‘Atopy’ or the tendency to develop allergies is commonly seen in a family across generations. However, there is no genetic basis to this argument that it is hereditary. For example if a child is diagnosed with allergic rhinitis then either of the parent may possible have the same condition or one of the other atopic conditions such as asthma, eczema or none at all.

Treating allergic rhinitis effectively

Allergic rhinitis can be treated better if it is diagnosed early. You can also take the support of your paediatrician to identify the symptoms.

Avoiding allergen:

• Avoid outdoor allergens. Keep windows shut especially in the flowering season and avoid dusty places
• Avoid walking on freshly cut grass
• Wet dusting of household surfaces and vacuum cleaning the house helps maintain dust free environment.
• Changing the sheets more frequently will reduce exposure to dust mites.
• Wash hands after playing with a pet.
• Pest control to contain cockroaches.
• Mold prevention especially in bathrooms.

Medications:

There are many medications available for the control of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Your Paediatrician will prescribe them in addition to the precautionary measures based on the child’s symptoms. When symptoms are particularly troublesome an allergy specialist will perform tests to try and pinpoint what exactly the child is allergic to. In certain types allergic immunotherapy can be instituted by them. Allergic rhinitis generally gets brushed off as dust allergy among children. It is important to identify the symptoms early and start the treatment.

Dr. Suruchi
Consultant – Paediatrics 
Columbia Asia Hospital
Whitefield, Bengaluru

The post Does your child have allergic rhinitis? Here are the symptoms appeared first on Health Vision.

Allergy is a common ENT condition often seen in our city, nearly 15 – 25% of the urban population suffers from this disease so understanding this condition is of paramount importance. Allergy is quite secular when it comes to effecting people as it effects people of any race , gender and religion. Keep in mind that allergy is by far the commonest non-infectious disease especially effecting the early age group.

What is Allergy ?

Allergy is a body response to a outside particle which we call allergens. These substances called allergens are found almost everywhere you go. They are present in our office , cinema hall , shopping malls , and even in our house. These allergens are so small that we need a microscope just to find them. The most common allergens which are found in our day to day life are house dust mites, pollens, animal dander, etc.

So How Does Allergy present ?

Allergies usually present with ample number of symptoms. Initially on exposure to an allergen the individual might have itching in the nose and eyes followed by sneezing and watering of the eyes. Later there will be watery running nose discharge and redness of the eyes which can be accompanied with head ache and throat irritation.

How do we differentiate allergy from COVID 19 during this pandemic ?

Allergy is a bodily reaction to a substance which you are allergic to but where as COVID 19 is a viral infection caused by a type of Corona virus strain. As like all infections patients with COVID 19 will have fever , head ache , throat pain/irritation initially. The major difference between COVID 19 and allergy is the presence of fever, in allergy fever is never seen unless it is a very sever allergic reaction. Allergy is characterized with sneezing , running nose and itching of the eyes.

How do we test for allergies?

Testing Allergy is primarily by detailed history and examination of the individual by an ENT surgeon or a   specialist who is trained in the field of allergy. Giving a apt and precise history to your doctor is of at most importance. After the initial examination of the nasal cavity and throat next step is testing the individual for specific allergies by skin prick test and blood IgE level.

Skin prick test at present is the most effective tool for diagnosis of allergy all over the world. If history and clinical examination lay the foundation of allergy diagnosis , skin prick test provide a compliment of evidence for a specific diagnosis. Despite several new tests introduced , skin prick test is still the most used and effective tool around the world. The reason for the worldwide popularity is due to the fact that skin prick test are reliable, safe, specific, and it can assess sensitivity for wide range of allergens.

What are the various treatment available ?

In this modern era, there are various treatment modalities,  but it is very important to know that the patients role in the very important. Meaning that the patient should change their life style for example avoid exposure to allergens by wearing masks when you go outside, using hypo-allergic soaps and detergents to cleaning your clothes etc. Always consult your doctor when the symptoms first appear.

Initially when you consult your allergy specialist, the patient will be given topical nasal steroids and oral anti histamine to control the present allergic symptoms , in some sever cases oral steroids are recommended. once the allergic symptoms are under control , then its mainly avoidance of exposure of allergens and immunotherapy. For best results Topical steroids and Sublingual immunotherapy is advised.

What can happen if you don’t get treatment for allergic rhinitis?

Allergy cuts across the entire human body and can effect any part of your body , not only your nose and eyes. Generally allergy effects skin, eyes, nose, digestive tract & lungs. When allergy effects skin it manifest by urticaria, angioedema and atopic dermatitis. When it attacks the respiratory system it causes rhinitis, sinusitis, laryngitis, asthma etc. To compare allergy to any other disease , there appears no parallel at all. Allergy can be as simple as mild discomfort to life threatening condition.

Conclusion:

Allergic rhinitis is a common but very complex disease which is more prevalent in the urban society. A proper lifestyle modification and early consultation of allergy specialist is most important for effective treatment of this condition. The main difference between allergic rhinitis and COVID19 is the presence of fever.

And always remember, self diagnosis of any disease using internet or other methods are dangerous to you. Always consult your doctors or a near by qualified specialist for  diagnosis and treatment. A detailed clear history to your doctor will always help them to treatment faster. Skin prick test is the most effective way to test for the specific allergy. Early treatment and regular follow up can easily give relief to the patients.

“ Skin prick test is considered a gold standard for diagnosis of allergy all over the world. “

Dr Ashish Rao
Specialist in Allergy & Immunology
ANAND ENT & ALLERGY CENTRE
# 109, 1st FLOOR, 1ST MAIN ROAD
KATRIGUPPE, BSK3RD STAGE
BENGALURU 560085.
Ph – 8951711776, 08026692650

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