Allergy Treatment in India for Bangladeshi Patients

What is an Allergy?

An allergy is your body’s overreaction to substances that are usually harmless to most people. These substances that cause allergy are called allergens. When you come into contact with an allergen, your immune system treats it as a threat. It releases chemicals like histamine, which cause symptoms such as itching, sneezing, swelling, rash, or breathing problems.

Common allergens include:

• Pollen from trees and plants
  
• Dust mites
  
• Animal dander
  
• Certain foods like eggs, milk, nuts, or seafood
  
• Insect stings or bites
  
• Some medicines (like antibiotics)
  
• Chemicals in soaps, cosmetics, or cleaning products

Allergies can affect your skin, nose, eyes, lungs, stomach, or the entire body. The reaction can range from mild irritation to serious medical emergencies like anaphylaxis.

What Are Skin Allergies?

Skin allergies happen when your immune system reacts to something that normally doesn’t cause harm, such as pollen, food, or chemicals. These reactions can lead to rashes, itching, redness, or swelling. Common types of skin allergies include:

1. Contact Dermatitis - A rash caused by touching an allergen like soaps, perfumes, jewellery (nickel), or plants like poison ivy.
   
2. Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) - A chronic skin condition causing dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It often runs in families and can be triggered by allergens or irritants.
   
3. Hives (Urticaria) - Raised, red, itchy welts on the skin, usually triggered by food, insect stings, or medication.
   
4. Angioedema - Swelling under the skin, often around the eyes, lips, or hands. It may occur with hives or on its own.
   
5. Photosensitivity Reactions - Skin rashes that develop after exposure to sunlight, sometimes triggered by medications or skincare products.
   
6. Drug Allergies - Certain medicines can cause skin reactions like rashes, redness, or blisters.

Why Do People Need Allergy Treatment?

People need treatment for allergies to relieve uncomfortable symptoms, prevent serious reactions (like anaphylaxis), and improve daily quality of life. Untreated allergies can lead to chronic issues like asthma, sinus infections, or skin problems, and in some cases, can become life-threatening.

Causes of Allergy

Allergies happen when your immune system mistakenly sees a harmless substance (called an allergen) as a threat. Instead of ignoring it, your body reacts by producing IgE antibodies. These antibodies trigger the release of histamine and other chemicals that cause inflammation and allergy symptoms.

Key reasons why allergies occur:

• Genetics: If your parents have allergies, you are more likely to develop them.
  
• Weakened immunity: A sensitive or overactive immune system may react strongly to common substances.
  
• Environmental exposure: Early and frequent contact with allergens like dust, pollen, or certain foods can increase the risk.
  
• Hygiene hypothesis: Growing up in an overly clean environment may reduce immune system training, making it overreact to harmless substances later.
  
• Climate and pollution: High humidity, pollution, and changing seasons can worsen or trigger allergic reactions.

Once your body becomes sensitised to an allergen, it may react every time you’re exposed, even in tiny amounts.

Symptoms of Allergy

When allergens enter your body, your immune system may produce high levels of IgE antibodies (Immunoglobulin E). These antibodies trigger the release of histamine and other chemicals into the bloodstream, leading to various allergic symptoms. The symptoms of allergy in the blood cannot be seen but they cause noticeable effects throughout the body.

Common symptoms linked to blood-borne allergic reactions include:

• Itchy skin or hives (urticaria)
  
• Swelling of the face, lips, or eyes (angioedema)
• Runny nose or sneezing (allergic rhinitis)
• Shortness of breath or wheezing (especially in allergic asthma)
  
• Stomach cramps, vomiting, or diarrhoea (common with food allergies)
• Fatigue or general weakness
  
• Dizziness or fainting (in severe cases)

In serious allergic reactions like anaphylaxis, there is a sudden drop in blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and a risk of shock, which needs immediate emergency care.

What to Do If You Have an Allergy

If you think you have an allergy, the first step is to identify the trigger - this could be food, dust, pollen, medicine, or skincare products. Keep track of when and where your symptoms appear, and visit a doctor for allergy tests such as IgE blood tests or skin prick tests. Once the allergen is known, avoid it as much as possible by checking labels, keeping your surroundings clean, and using air filters if needed. 

Follow your doctor’s recommendation. Home remedies like cold compresses, aloe vera, coconut oil, or steam inhalation can also help with mild symptoms. However, if you experience severe symptoms like breathing difficulty, swelling of the face or throat, or dizziness, seek emergency medical care immediately. In some cases, long-term treatment like allergy immunotherapy may be advised for better control.

Home Remedies

Home Remedies for Allergy

While medical treatment is often necessary for managing allergies, several home remedies can help alleviate mild allergic reactions and provide comfort. Some effective home remedies include:

1. Saline Nasal Rinse - Using a saline solution to rinse the nasal passages helps clear allergens like pollen and dust, providing relief from nasal congestion.
   
2. Honey - Local, raw honey may help build immunity to pollen by gradually desensitising your body to allergens. Take a teaspoon daily.
   
3. Ginger Tea - Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce swelling, relieve congestion, and calm symptoms like sore throat or cough.
   
4. Apple Cider Vinegar - Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in warm water and drink it daily to help detoxify the body and ease allergy symptoms.
   
5. Turmeric - With its powerful anti-inflammatory compound, curcumin, turmeric can help alleviate symptoms like swelling and itching. Add it to your food or mx with milk for a soothing drink.
   
6. Steam Inhalation - Inhaling steam from hot water can help open blocked sinuses and reduce respiratory symptoms caused by allergies.
   
7. Eucalyptus Oil - Diffusing eucalyptus oil in your home or adding a few drops to a steam inhalation helps clear airways and reduce nasal congestion.
   
8. Cool Compress - Applying a cool compress to swollen or itchy skin can provide immediate relief from hives or rashes.

Home Remedies to cure Ringworm Itching

Ringworm is a common fungal infection that affects the skin, causing a red, circular rash with raised edges and clearer skin in the middle, resembling a ring. Despite its name, it has nothing to do with worms. The infection is caused by a type of fungus called dermatophyte, which thrives on the outer layers of the skin, nails, and hair. It is highly contagious and can spread through direct skin contact, contaminated surfaces, or shared personal items. Ringworm can occur anywhere on the body, including the scalp, feet (athlete’s foot), and groin area (jock itch).

Ringworm can cause intense itching, but several home remedies can help soothe the discomfort and support healing. Here are some effective natural treatments:

1. Tea Tree Oil - Known for its antifungal properties, tea tree oil can be applied to the affected area to help fight the fungus and relieve itching. Dilute it with a carrier oil before use.
   
2. Apple Cider Vinegar - Its natural acidity helps to stop fungal growth and relieve itching. Apply a diluted solution of apple cider vinegar and water to the infected area.
   
3. Aloe Vera - Aloe vera gel has cooling and anti-inflammatory effects that can soothe the itching and redness caused by ringworm. Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to the affected area.
   
4. Coconut Oil - Coconut oil contains fatty acids with antifungal properties. Apply it to the skin to help relieve itching and prevent the infection from spreading.
   
5. Garlic - Garlic has natural antifungal and antibacterial properties. Crush a few garlic cloves, mix with coconut oil, and apply the mixture to the ringworm patches for relief.
   
6. Turmeric - With its antifungal and anti-inflammatory benefits, turmeric can be mixed with water to form a paste. Apply it to the affected area for natural relief from itching.
   
7. Oatmeal Baths - Soaking in an oatmeal bath can soothe itching and calm inflamed skin. Add finely ground oatmeal to a lukewarm bath and soak for 15 to 20 minutes.
   
8. Lemon Juice - The antifungal and astringent properties of lemon juice can help alleviate itching. Apply fresh lemon juice to the affected area to reduce inflammation.

When Do These Allergy Symptoms Lead to Treatment

Doctors recommend starting treatment when certain signs are evident. You should not wait if:

• Confirmed diagnosis - Allergy tests, like skin prick tests or blood tests, confirm the specific allergen causing the reaction.
  
• Worsening symptoms - If symptoms like itching, swelling, or breathing difficulty get worse over time or become constant.
  
• Persistent symptoms - When mild symptoms persist for weeks or months despite over-the-counter treatments.
  
• Severe reactions - If symptoms escalate to anaphylaxis, with severe swelling, difficulty breathing, or a drop in blood pressure.
  
• Frequent flare-ups - If you experience regular allergic reactions, such as hives, rashes, or asthma attacks, that affect your daily activities.

Starting treatment early helps manage symptoms, prevent severe reactions, and improve overall quality of life. Treatment plans may include medications, lifestyle adjustments, or long-term solutions like immunotherapy based on the type and severity of the allergy.

Ways to Eliminate Allergic Itching

• Keep Skin Moisturised: Using emollients like CeraVe or Eucerin helps soothe dry or irritated skin and prevents flare-ups.
• Stay Away from Triggers: Identifying and avoiding allergens, whether pollen, dust, or certain foods, can prevent allergic reactions and help eliminate itching
• Try Oatmeal Baths: Products like Aveeno oatmeal baths can calm itchy skin, especially when caused by dryness or minor allergic reactions.
• Use Calamine Lotion: Calamine cools the skin and reduces discomfort from minor allergic itching or rashes.
• Apply Topical Soothers: Diphenhydramine creams and Hydrocortisone ointments can ease itching caused by skin allergies or eczema.‍
• Medication to Remove Allergic Itching: The most commonly recommended name of medicine for allergic itching includes both oral and topical treatments that help relieve symptoms effectively.
  
  • Oral Antihistamines: Medicines like Diphenhydramine, Loratadine, and Fexofenadine work by blocking histamine, reducing allergic reactions and skin irritation.
  • Topical Corticosteroids: Creams such as Hydrocortisone and Betamethasone target inflammation and ease localised itching.
  • Soothing Lotions: Calamine lotion helps cool and calm itchy, irritated skin caused by mild allergies.
  • Oatmeal-Based Products: Colloidal oatmeal baths offer gentle relief for itching triggered by dry or sensitive skin.

While these options fall under the commonly used name of medicine to stop itching, it’s important to understand that not all treatments are suitable for every individual.

Disclaimer: Always consult a qualified medical professional before starting any medication or treatment. A doctor can help you find the right ways to get rid of skin allergies based on your specific condition and symptoms. This information is for general awareness only and should not replace personalised medical advice.

Early treatment gives the best results. If you notice any of these symptoms for a long period of time, do not ignore them. If you are from Bangladesh and looking for consultations for allergy in India, Bangla Health Connect can connect you to experts at Apollo Hospital.

Why Choose India for Allergy Treatment?

India is a trusted destination for Bangladeshi patients seeking relief from allergies and skin-related itching. Many choose India each year for expert care, accurate diagnosis, and affordable solutions.

• Specialist allergy doctors: Indian hospitals have dermatologists and allergy specialists who treat all types of allergies, such as skin, food, seasonal, and chronic itching.
• Modern testing and treatment: Hospitals use updated tests like allergy panels, skin prick tests, and blood tests to find the exact cause of the allergy and itching.
• Affordable care: Diagnosis, medicines, and treatment plans are cost-effective compared to many other countries, with no compromise on quality.
• Bengali-friendly services: Many hospitals have Bengali-speaking staff, making it easier for Bangladeshi patients to communicate and feel comfortable.
• Quick appointments and relief: Patients can get fast check-ups, start treatment quickly, and find relief without long waiting times.
• Proven results: Many Bangladeshi patients have successfully treated chronic allergies and skin conditions in India and recommend it to others.

India offers the right mix of skilled doctors, advanced treatment options, lower cost, and patient-friendly services. Compared to other countries, patients get the same quality care at a much more affordable price in India.

Contact Bangla Health Connect today to connect with top Indian hospitals, book a doctor’s appointment, or get a second opinion.