1/3rd population in Kashmir suffers from allergies: DAK

Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Tuesday said allergy vaccination, also called immunotherapy, is the best defence against allergies.

“Allergy vaccination is the most effective form of treatmentfor allergies,” said DAK President Dr Nisar ul Hassan.

   

“Vaccine therapy reduces allergy symptoms, improves qualityof life and reduces the need for allergy medication,” he said.

“Allergy vaccine is safe and has been shown to be effectivein the treatment of allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma and insect bites,” headded.

“Studies have found that immunotherapy for allergic rhinitisreduces the risk for later development of asthma in children,” Dr Nisar in astatement said, adding that “allergy immunotherapy has the potential to alterthe natural course of allergic disease and prevent the risk of developing newallergies.”

Dr Nisar said allergy vaccine is given by administeringspecific allergen extract to which the person is allergic. These naturalallergen extracts are prepared based on person’s skin test results.

Vaccine is given weekly by injection under the skin for 3 to6 months during the build-up phase followed by monthly injection during themaintenance phase for a period of 3 to 5 years.

“For needle-shy persons, daily tablets of allergen extractsare administered under the tongue to achieve similar results,” he said.

Dr Nisar said one-third of population in Kashmir suffersfrom allergies. Spring is the key time for allergies and people are seencoughing, sneezing, wheezing and with skin eruptions. The biggest springallergy trigger is pollen.

Quoting a report from Government Medical College Srinagar,he said, 90% of people in Kashmir are allergic to Dramun pollen, 70% to Kikerpollen, 60% to Soi pollen and 18% to poplar pollen. The report reveals housedust mite as the main culprit which causes allergy in 92% of people.

“As it is not possible to completely eliminate the allergenin a daily setting and symptom-based treatments do not provide long-lastingrespite, therefore allergy vaccination remains the only way to protect peoplefrom allergies,” said Dr Nisar.

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