More and more people today suffer from sneezing, blocked nose, itchy eyes, allergic cough and asthma, including children and adults who never had allergies before. Many patients also notice their allergy getting worse year after year. In this video, Dr. Dipak Viradia, Chest Physician & Intensivist, explains the reasons behind rising allergies.

Why More People Have Allergies Today

Air pollution. Vehicle smoke, industrial emissions, construction dust and fine particles irritate the nose and airways and make them more sensitive to allergens. Pollution can also make pollen more allergenic.

More time indoors. Modern homes and offices are often closed and air-conditioned, increasing exposure to indoor allergens like dust mites, mould, cockroaches and pet dander.

Changing climate. Warmer temperatures and changing weather patterns can lengthen pollen seasons and increase humidity, which helps mould and dust mites grow.

Smoking and second-hand smoke. Tobacco smoke damages the lining of the airways and increases the risk of allergy and asthma, especially in children exposed at home.

Changes in lifestyle and early-life exposure. Researchers believe that changes in diet, reduced contact with nature and early-life microbes, and other lifestyle factors may affect how the immune system develops, making it more likely to overreact. This is still being studied.

Family history. Allergies run in families. A child with one or both parents having allergy or asthma has a higher chance of developing it.

Why an Allergy Gets Worse Over Time

• Continued exposure to triggers like dust, mould, pets or smoke without precautions
• New exposures, such as moving house, renovation, damp walls, a new pet, or a new job with dust or chemical fumes
• Stopping treatment as soon as symptoms improve
• Viral infections, which inflame the airways and make allergy symptoms worse
• Untreated nasal allergy spreading to the chest: long-standing allergic rhinitis is closely linked with asthma, and leaving it untreated can lead to wheezing and breathlessness
• Stress and poor sleep, which can make symptoms feel worse

What you can do. Identify your triggers, reduce exposure at home and work, avoid smoke, wear a mask in dusty or polluted areas, and take medicines regularly as prescribed. Allergy testing helps find the exact triggers, and in selected patients allergen immunotherapy can reduce sensitivity over time.

Dr. Dipak Viradia
Chest Physician & Intensivist | Interventional Pulmonologist & ECMO Specialist
Rudrax Chest Clinic, 301, Solaris Royce, Opp. Old RTO, Athwagate, Ring Road, Surat – 395001
Appointment: +91 75676 19985
Website: www.drdipakviradia.com