With Allergy Cases Soaring in Pune, Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital’s Allergy Clinic Brings New Hope for Patients

MUMBAI, PUNE, NATIONAL, 13 SEPTEMBER, 2025 (GPN/ By Dr. Vaishali Mahendra Bafna, Associate Director, Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital, Pune): Every year, more and more people deal with constant sneezing, runny noses, and breathing troubles, but most of us brush it off as “just an allergy.” The truth is, allergies are no longer only a seasonal problem; they are turning into a year-round issue that slowly affects overall health.

In Pune, this is playing out more sharply. As the city shifts from damp monsoons to dry winters, allergy cases spike. Pollution, pigeon droppings, and sudden weather swings are leaving more residents, especially children, with persistent breathing troubles.

Allergy starts in the nose, but if you don’t control it, it ends in the lungs. Dr. Vaishali Mahendra Bafna, Associate Director, Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital, Pune, highlighted, “Many people complain of a runny or blocked nose for weeks, but never seek help. The early symptoms are often subtle, like itching in the nose, eyes, or throat, repeated sneezing, nasal irritation, or a dry cough that doesn’t improve with routine medicines. Some may experience skin itching, swelling around the eyes, or constant throat irritation.”

How Small Triggers Become Big Problems

Over time, constant nasal inflammation pushes allergens deeper into the respiratory system, leading to asthma, bronchitis, or long-term sinus infections. In a city like Pune, where construction dust, traffic fumes, and industrial pollutants are everywhere, this progression is even faster.

Unchecked allergies also force mouth breathing, causing snoring, dry mouth, sore throat, and disturbed sleep while letting more allergens reach the lungs. Poor sleep and fatigue then weaken immunity, reduce productivity, and raise risks of COPD, hypertension, and even heart strain. Children face greater danger with enlarged adenoids; they struggle with restless nights, irritability, poor focus in school, and frequent infections.

Everyday Triggers Fueling Pune’s Allergy Wave

Allergies in Pune aren’t just seasonal; they are fueled by daily irritants. Dust mites hide in carpets, curtains, and soft toys, while pigeon droppings in housing societies often trigger persistent cough and breathlessness. Weather changes add to the trouble, like humid monsoons encourage mold, and winter dryness makes nasal passages more sensitive. Even perfumes, incense sticks, mosquito coils, and foods like peanuts, cashews, and citrus fruits can worsen symptoms in those already prone to allergies..

Why Lifestyle Adjustments Are Crucial

Dr. Bafna advises, “Keep bedrooms allergen-free by avoiding pets and indoor plants, washing cotton bedsheets and curtains regularly, and limiting carpets or heavy drapes that trap dust. During flare-ups, simple steps like steam inhalation, drinking warm fluids, and drying clothes in the sun can bring quick relief. Alongside these, building immunity with adequate Vitamin D, regular exercise, and a balanced diet reduces the frequency and severity of attacks.”

Smarter Diagnosis at Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital’s Allergy Clinic

At Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital’s Allergy Clinic, treatment follows a clear, step-by-step pathway. It begins with simple tests like absolute eosinophil counts and IgE levels, followed by advanced options such as skin-prick tests and blood allergy panels to identify exact triggers. For persistent cases, doctors recommend immunotherapy – “allergy vaccination”, where patients are given tiny, controlled doses of the allergen as drops or injections over a period of 3–5 years.

Traditional Remedies Still Hold Value

Age-old Ayurvedic practices continue to support modern treatments. Jal Neti, the nasal cleansing technique, is now recommended even after nasal surgeries to keep passages clear of allergens. Simple practices like applying ghee inside the nostrils help reduce dryness and irritation, particularly during dry winter months.