In spring, when flowers bloom, take care of allergies that loom

Spring is a season of flowers. But for many, it is a season of allergies. Those who welcome the season with a running nose, sneezing, redness of eyes and are taking it casually, it is high time they visited their doctors. Reason: what they are confusing with a common cold can be a spring allergy.

Dr Amit Gupta, an eye specialist, Eye Care Centre of PGI, says, "Eye allergies during spring season are very common. In a week, we come across more than 150 patients, mostly children, who are suffering from spring catarrh. The allergic cases of children are more than adults as they are more prone to dust and pollen grains."

Talking about symptoms of eye allergies, he says, "The common symptoms are redness of eyes, itching, swelling and white discharge from the eyes. Timely treatment of the allergies is very important, as severe eye allergies can lead to blindness."

Dr Gupta says one should try to identify the cause of allergy, take proper medication and avoid allergic things. Frequent gentle eye washing with cold water is also good for eyes.

Dr S K Jindal, head of department of pulmonary medicine, says, "During these two months of spring, the number of patients with asthma and upper respiratory catarrh increases by three to four times at the clinic."

"It is difficult to avoid spring allergies completely, as even minute particle inhaled by a person can trigger allergy. To check the allergy, the patients who are aware that they are allergic to seasonal change, must visit the doctors and increase their medication," says Dr Jindal.

Prof Meenu Singh, at paediatrics, respiratory department, says, "The number of complaints with respiratory problems shoots up in the spring season. Many people complain about breathing difficulties and severe asthma attacks."

"Since children are more prone to allergies than adults, I will suggest that they should avoid going out in dusty and windy places during the season. They must wash their hands and feet after coming home from playing outside," she adds.

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