 20 to 26 % people suffer from Allergic Rhinitis in India. 80% of asthmatics suffer from Allergic Rhinitis. India has an estimated number of 15 - 20 million asthmatics and a large number of them are from Chennai, says Dr Mukesh
Batra, chairman and managing director, Dr Batras' Positive Health Clinic Ltd.
Dr Batra, who was in Chennai recently, said nearly 150 million people worldwide are affected by asthma and more than 180,000 deaths each year are due to asthma according to the estimates of World Health Organization.
He was in the city to create awareness among the masses on the benefits of healthy and positive living. Outlined in his presentation were the causes and effects of rising allergy cases in India and more particularly in
Chennai.
He also sought to dispel myths on the usage of Homeopathy in the treatment of Allergies and prove the efficacy of the same.
On the working of Allergens that cause allergy, Dr. Batra explained that when an allergen enters the body of a person with a sensitised immune system, histamine and other chemicals are released by certain cells, causing itching, swelling, mucus production, muscle spasms, hives, rashes, and other symptoms. He revealed some of the common allergens to be chemicals, drugs such as antibiotics, serums, foods such as milk, chocolate, strawberries, wheat, infectious bacteria, viruses, and animal parasites, inhalants (such as dust, pollen, perfumes, smoke), physical agents such as heat, light, friction, radiation.
Dr. Batra said the prevalence of asthma, rhinitis, Allergic dermatitis and conjunctivitis was found to be higher in children living in more polluted areas having high levels of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. The humid climate in Chennai, also ranking among the top cities with regards to water-borne diseases, gives it the dubious distinction of being one of the most polluted metropolises in the country.
India has an estimated number of 15 - 20 million asthmatics. From asthma to allergic bronchitis to just plain coughs and colds (that last forever and develop into congestion sometimes), Chennai is soon becoming a hub of allergic respiratory problems especially for children, he said.
Talking about the conventional allergy treatment method which includes Antihistamines, Steroids, Desensitisation shots and Laser surgery in obstinate cases, he indicated that these treatments provide temporary rellef and the side effects caused by these medicines can be worse than the allergies themselves. Sharing the key benefits of homeopathy, he said that as Homeopathy is a gentle system of healing, it treats the 'whole' person improving his physical and emotional well-being and is suitable for young and old. He mentioned that homeopathic medicines are non-toxic with no side effects making the person non dependent on them.
Sharing his tips for leading an allergy-free life, Or. Batra said that mental relaxation, regular exercise, prevention by avoiding known allergens, respiratory irritants, dust-mites are some of the ways of achieving an allergy-free life. He further went on to add that the chances of allergic asthma among children with one parent having history of asthma are 25-30% and these chances go up to 70%-75% if both the parents have the history of asthma.
Dr. Batra also said, "We are getting into a pill popping generation because of which there is a substantial rise in allergies as those treatments provide only temporary relief and the symptoms re-occur in a patient. Homeopathy has proven that it has an answer for allergies which is why people should turn to Homeopathy as a first option and lead a healthy, quality filled life."
In clinical trials conducted in India, 265 cases of different types of allergic dermatitis were evaluated after homoeopathic treatment for a period varying from few months to five years.
Out of the 234 cases reported, 90% showed considerable improvement. These results clearly show that homeopathy is effective in treating allergic dermatitis, he pointed out.
The homeopathy market in India today is worth around Rs. 630 crore and growing at roughly 20 % - 25 % year on year over the last few years, which is twice the growth rate of the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry. It is estimated that in India, over 100 million people have used homeopathy, Dr Batra added.
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