Wearing masks and stepping out before 9 am or after 5 pm during low pollination hours helps sensitive people, says an allergy specialist.
Credit: File Photo
Bengaluru: Doctors in the city have reported a sharp rise in allergies and respiratory infections over the past week due to windy weather and widespread civic constructions.
While allergies typically present with itchy eyes and runny nose, recent infections are more severe, with patients reporting fever, body pain and respiratory congestion.
“Windy weather carries pollen and dust over long distances, affecting more people,” said Dr Nidhin Mohan, Specialist, Internal Medicine. He warned that untreated asthma triggered by allergies could be fatal.
Doctors identified children, the elderly, asthma patients, construction workers and those who commute daily by autorickshaws and two-wheelers as particularly vulnerable.
"Wearing masks and stepping out before 9 am or after 5 pm during low pollination hours helps sensitive people,” said Dr Pragati Rao, Pulmonologist and Allergy Specialist.
She added that allergy profiling tests help identify triggers, while immunotherapy is being considered for younger patients with recurring allergies.
Currently, patients present with cough, throat dryness, itching, fever and body pain in severe cases.
General Physician Dr Kiran Raj advised vulnerable groups to gargle with salt water and stay well hydrated.