I AM NOT SICK- IT’S JUST ALLERGY
This is what people think of allergies.
Allergic diseases are worldwide issues, and increasing over last few decades. Children suffer more significantly from allergies. Almost every 4th person is suffering from one or another type of allergic disease. Allergic Rhinitis affects 10-25% of population globally, and it contributes to more than 50% of all allergies.
Approximately 20-30% of Indian population is suffering from allergies at any given time. Out of these about 30% are having Allergic Rhinitis, 15-20% are asthmatic. This trend is rising with time, due to many reasons especially life style related changes.
Food allergies are perceived much higher than True food allergies. True food allergy is 1-2% in adults and 6-8% in children. Any adverse effects of foods is perceived as allergy, both by patients and physicians as well.Allergic diseases, although are of mild severity, but affect our Quality of Life significantly. They create negative impact on physical, psychological, social, academic and economic levels. It decreases our productivity, hence national growth and economy.
There are almost negligible experts available for allergic patients in our country. System specialists view the allergic patients with their focused area of interest. If allergy marches to another organ system, patients have to consult another specialist. For example- Allergic rhinitis by ENT surgeon, Asthma by chest physician, Atopic dermatitis by dermatologist etc. An Allergist can anticipate and guide the preventative measures to such patients and families. In addition to this, allergy testing, allergens identification and immunotherapy can also be given by Allergist. But our medical curriculum has not included this area of concern.