Kolkata: Allergic rhinitis has struck scores of children across the city even as hospitals have witnessed a sudden surge in consultationsand admissions over the last five days. An allergic reaction to dust, pollen, pollutants or something to which in individual is ‘allergic’, the ailment leads to a swelling of the nose glands accompanied by severe bouts of sneezing, congestion, itchy nose and watery eyes.It has struck youngsters between one and 14 years of age and for many, it has also led to asthma attacks and breathing distress.
According to Jitabrata Ray, consultant paediatrician at BP Poddar Hospital, allergic rhinitis is a chemical response and release of histamines by our body that is triggered by dust, pollens or other types of allergens that enter our nose and irritate the nasal tissues. “Children are more susceptible to allergens while playing or doing activities in school or outdoors,” added Ray.
As many as 37 kids have been treated for the disease at BP Poddar Hospital over the past seven days. Seven were admitted with severe symptoms.
The OPD at Fortis Hospital, too, has seen a spurt in children with the disease. Paediatricians pointed out that both temperature fluctuations and pollution could trigger allergic rhinitis. “A sudden temperature change, food, smell, dust, pollen or pollutants can set it off. It is turning out to be severe for those with a history of asthma or airway blockage,” said Fortis Hospital paediatrician Sumita Saha. She added that for many, it is setting in with a severe bout of sneezing.
Outdoor activities expose kids to allergic rhinitis more than anything else, though food or smell may also trigger it, said paediatrician Shantanu Ray. “The most common symptom is a blocked nose and an obstinate cold. It gets worse within two-three days unless medication is started,” said Ray.
Several city schools had warned students last week against infections and advised them to stay at home in case they are ill. Vivekananda Mission School in Behala issued a notice on Friday announcing that all class work will be put on a school WhatsApp group since scores of kids have been absent.
Allergic rhinitis has no permanent cure since it’s an allergic reaction, said Ray. “It has to be checked with ‘anti-histamines’, steam inhalation and warm water. It can take weeks to subside since it’s difficult to cut out the sources of allergy,” added Ray.
Some kids are experiencing a sudden exacerbation of acute allergic symptoms during the evening time after returning home from school, said BP Poddar CEO Supriyo Chakrabarty. “A significant number have needed immediate hospitalization as they were brought to our emergency with shortness of breath, fever with high temperature. Bad air quality is also playing a part.”
According to Jitabrata Ray, consultant paediatrician at BP Poddar Hospital, allergic rhinitis is a chemical response and release of histamines by our body that is triggered by dust, pollens or other types of allergens that enter our nose and irritate the nasal tissues. “Children are more susceptible to allergens while playing or doing activities in school or outdoors,” added Ray.
As many as 37 kids have been treated for the disease at BP Poddar Hospital over the past seven days. Seven were admitted with severe symptoms.
The OPD at Fortis Hospital, too, has seen a spurt in children with the disease. Paediatricians pointed out that both temperature fluctuations and pollution could trigger allergic rhinitis. “A sudden temperature change, food, smell, dust, pollen or pollutants can set it off. It is turning out to be severe for those with a history of asthma or airway blockage,” said Fortis Hospital paediatrician Sumita Saha. She added that for many, it is setting in with a severe bout of sneezing.
Outdoor activities expose kids to allergic rhinitis more than anything else, though food or smell may also trigger it, said paediatrician Shantanu Ray. “The most common symptom is a blocked nose and an obstinate cold. It gets worse within two-three days unless medication is started,” said Ray.
Several city schools had warned students last week against infections and advised them to stay at home in case they are ill. Vivekananda Mission School in Behala issued a notice on Friday announcing that all class work will be put on a school WhatsApp group since scores of kids have been absent.
Allergic rhinitis has no permanent cure since it’s an allergic reaction, said Ray. “It has to be checked with ‘anti-histamines’, steam inhalation and warm water. It can take weeks to subside since it’s difficult to cut out the sources of allergy,” added Ray.
Some kids are experiencing a sudden exacerbation of acute allergic symptoms during the evening time after returning home from school, said BP Poddar CEO Supriyo Chakrabarty. “A significant number have needed immediate hospitalization as they were brought to our emergency with shortness of breath, fever with high temperature. Bad air quality is also playing a part.”
