Seminar throws light on allergies in kids

Amritsar, December 10

The Rotary Club organised a public awareness seminar on allergies in children here on Sunday. Dr Naresh Grover, child specialist, was chairperson of the event.

Dr Neeraj Gupta, paediatric allergy specialist from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, Dr Palwinder Singh, head, department of paediatrics at Government Medical College, and Dr Ravi Dutt Sharma, an eminent paediatrician were the key speakers.

Dr Neeraj highlighted the fact that about 30 per cent of children are suffering from one or another type of respiratory allergy in India. “Cases of allergic disorders are increasing daily with rising pollution and changing lifestyle. These include skin, nose, chest, eye, drug and food allergy,” he said.

He added that milk allergy is very common in small children. Any child with family history of allergy and having recurrent symptoms of cough, sneezing, itchy rashes, breathing difficulty, diarrhea, vomiting or requiring periodic nebulisers could be allergic, he said.

“We can prevent allergies in children by promoting breast feeding, introduction of solid foods at 4-6 months of age, avoiding junk foods, promoting outdoor activities and sports. —TNS