“Nobody else in my house sneezes like this. Why only me?” “I never had allergy before, so why now?” These are questions Dr. Dipak Viradia hears from patients every day. In this video, he explains why allergy affects some people and not others, and why it can start at any age.

It’s not your fault. Allergy is not caused by weakness, bad habits or something you did wrong. It happens because your immune system is more likely to react to certain harmless substances. This tendency is called atopy, and it is partly inherited.

Why you, and not others?

• Your genes. Allergy tends to run in families. If a parent, brother or sister has allergy, asthma or eczema, your chance of developing allergy is higher. But what you inherit is the tendency, not the specific allergy. A parent may have skin allergy, while the child develops nasal allergy or asthma.
• Your exposure. Two people with the same tendency may live different lives. The one exposed more to dust mites, mould, pets, smoke or workplace dust is more likely to develop symptoms.
• Chance. Even siblings with the same parents and home can turn out differently, because each person inherits a different mix of genes and their immune systems respond differently.

Why did it start now, when I never had it before? Allergy can begin at any age, including in adulthood. Common reasons include:

• Moving to a new house or city, with different dust, damp or pollen
• A new job, with exposure to dust, fibres or chemicals
• A new pet at home
• Renovation, damp walls or mould in the home
• A viral infection that leaves the airways more sensitive
• Smoking or more exposure to air pollution
• Hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy

Sometimes, the tendency was always there, but symptoms appeared only when exposure crossed a certain level.

Will it stay forever? Allergy is a long-term tendency, but it doesn’t have to control your life. Some childhood allergies fade with age, while others need ongoing care. With allergy testing to find your exact triggers, reducing exposure, the right medicines, and immunotherapy in selected cases, most people keep their symptoms well under control.

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