Dust, a big cause of allergic asthma

Dust is the biggest cause of respiratory allergies in Indians, with men suffering more from allergen reactivity than women. An allergic reaction can range from mild to severe, but irrespective of that, it is important that people know their allergic triggers so that these can be avoided.

An allergic reaction is responsible up to 90% of childhood asthma and around 50% of adult asthma. A recent study called Indian Study on Epidemiology of Asthma, Respiratory Symptoms and Chronic Bronchitis estimated that in India out of the 18 million who suffer from asthma, 2.05% of these people are less than 15 years of age. While all know that the rising level of pollution in our cities is adding to the severity of respiratory disorders, research shows air pollution can worsen asthma symptoms too.

Across all spectrums, men were found to have the highest allergen reactivity, while dust allergy was found to be the major cause of asthmatic trigger. Here are some of the highlights of the findings:

• Children whose parents have a history of asthma and allergic disease are at an increased risk of developing the disease.
• The highest percentage of for allergic asthma was found for the insect allergens followed by dust, grass and tree pollen, fungus and food allergens.

(The author is advisor and mentor — R&D, SRL Diagnostics)