Allergy & Immunology

Conditions Treated

• •Allergic Rhinitis — Inflammation of the nasal passages triggered by allergens — dust mites, pollen, mould, or pet dander. Affects 20-30% of Indians.
• •Allergic Asthma — Asthma triggered by specific allergens rather than exercise or cold air. Most common form of asthma in India.
• •Food Allergies — Immune reaction to specific foods — milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish are common triggers.
• •Drug Allergies — Adverse immune reactions to medications — antibiotics (penicillin), NSAIDs, and contrast dyes are common triggers.
• •Chronic Urticaria (Hives) — Recurring itchy welts lasting more than 6 weeks, often without an identifiable trigger.

Health Tips

• •Identify and avoid your triggers
• •Use dust-proof covers on mattresses and pillows
• •Keep windows closed during high pollen seasons
• •Read food labels carefully if you have food allergies
• •Carry your emergency medication always

How to Prepare for Your Visit

• •Stop antihistamines 3-5 days before visit if allergy testing is planned (ask when booking)
• •Keep a symptom diary — note when symptoms occur, potential triggers, and what helps
• •List all medications including nasal sprays, eye drops, and inhalers
• •Note any severe allergic reactions in the past — what triggered them and what treatment was given
• •Describe your home environment — carpets, pets, air conditioning, visible mould
• •Mention occupational exposures — chemicals, dust, flour, latex
• •Ask about allergen-proofing your bedroom — this is where you spend 8 hours daily
• •Discuss an action plan for severe reactions — especially if you have food or drug allergies
• •Implement allergen avoidance measures recommended by your doctor
• •Use nasal sprays and inhalers with correct technique — incorrect use wastes medication
• •Wear a medical alert bracelet if you have severe drug or food allergies
• •Follow up for immunotherapy schedule if recommended — requires regular visits for months

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• •Should I get allergy testing to identify my triggers?
• •Is immunotherapy (allergy shots) an option for me?
• •Could my symptoms be non-allergic?
• •Do I need to carry an epinephrine auto-injector?
• •Can my child outgrow this allergy?
• •How do I manage allergies during pregnancy?

When to See a Specialist

An Allergist (Allergy & Immunology specialist) diagnoses and treats allergies, asthma, and immune system disorders.

• •Recurring allergic rhinitis not controlled with antihistamines
• •Asthma triggered by allergies
• •Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) history
• •Food allergies — diagnosis and management
• •Chronic hives (urticaria) lasting more than 6 weeks
• •Drug allergy evaluation
• •Recurrent infections suggesting immune deficiency

If you've had anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction with throat swelling or breathing difficulty), always carry an epinephrine auto-injector.