In today’s time, rising air pollution triggers allergies
The worsening air quality outdoors and indoors is responsible for the exponential rise in allergic reactions. Speaking about the impact of air pollution acting as a trigger for allergies, Dr G C Khilnani, chairman, PSRI Institute of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, says, “Apart from particulate matter that measure PM 2.5 and PM10 that can impact individuals, there are gases like nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide, ozone and carbon monoxide that can have harmful effects. Nitrogen oxides and diesel emission trigger release of antibodies called IgE in our immune system. These antibodies are implicated in the genesis of allergic reactions. It causes allergic rhinitis, asthma and eczema. Those who already have allergies, asthma are bound to get more affected by allergens from air pollution.”
The different kinds of allergies that can arise from air pollution include allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, nasal polyps, eyes and skin allergies, points out Dr Sanjay Sachdeva, senior director,
ENT, Max Healthcare. “An ongoing inflammation coupled with pollution can worsen existing symptoms in patients,” he adds.
In children, immune system is also learning, states Dr Nameet Jerath, senior consultant, Pediatric Critical Care and Pulmonology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals. “Every allergen exposure is also teaching the body a response. Over the years, immune system builds up in adults and helps you fight that allergic response. Senior citizens have waning immune system and they are impacted by exposure to allergens than adults,” he says, adding that recurrent allergic responses and exposure tend to have long-term physical and psychological impact on children.
Controlling pollution is everyone’ responsibility, states Bharati Chaturvedi, Founder and Director, Chintan Environmental Research and Action Group. “It is not relegated to certain section of population. There is a role for every citizen and we need to mainstream this issue,” she adds.
The eminent panelists were part of Let’s Talk Allergies, which is powered by Sanofi India, HealthShots and Allergy free. It is an initiative by Hindustan Times, which is intended to raise awareness about air pollution and related allergies.
An ongoing inflammation coupled with pollution can worsen existing symptoms in patients.
DR SANJAY SACHDEVA
SENIOR DIRECTOR, ENT, MAX HEALTHCARE