Bright side of pandemic: A big fall in nose, throat allergy cases

Deepkamal Kaur

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, July 16

These pandemic times have knocked the stuffing out of almost everyone. It is hard to look at the positives for many have suffered immensely. All the news showcasing the affected face of the humanity bruised by the virus has spirits of people sapping.

Lighting the torch of positivity amid these dark times, the city-based ENT doctors have revealed that at least the cases related to allergies have dropped as most residents have continued to stay indoors and are masked whenever going outside. They claim that the fall in such cases is around 75 per cent! - Well, that''s soothing to hear.

According to the specialists, being locked in at their places for most of the day people are having less exposure to allergens like dust, fumes and pollens and hence have their chronic cough, cold and sneezing problems are under control. Even though it is summers, many have also reduced the usage of air conditioners these days and are keeping their homes well-ventilated. The use of air purifiers inside the rooms has further helped them stay intact.

The doctors also feel that the practice of maintaining a good hygiene, quicker changing of clothes and regular washing of hands is also keeping them safe from allergic reactions. Moreover, people are avoiding junk food and are satiating their desires by cooking healthy homely food and commingling their diet with more vegetables, fruits etc. Apart from this, yoga, cycling and working out at home are the new fitness mantra for keeping in shape. All of this combined has upped their immunity to some extent.

Not only ENts, even skin specialists are of the same mind. They say that cases about sunburns and rashes have dipped, but on the other hand, the walk-in of patients complaining of contact allergies have increased.

Dr Anu Pal Goel, who runs Twatcha Laser and Skin Aesthetic Clinic, adds substance to the claim, “While the number of cases of weather-beaten skin have fallen, there is an increase of patients complaining about suffering from hand allergies. People are using sanitiser frequently. They are also using medicated soaps more for washing hands. The overuse of alcohol-based sanitisers and soaps usually cause dryness and rashes. It affects the protective layers of the skin. We tell them to continue to wash their hands but also moisturise them in between by using coconut oil.”

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