FAQs on Allergy

What is the incidence of allergy in India as compared to the West?

Approximately 25% of the population in India suffers from one or more allergic diseases. This is certainly a notch behind the Western countries where more than 50% of the population suffers from allergies. The disturbing trend is a tremendous increase in the incidence and severity of allergies all over the world, including India.

Is allergy hereditary?

Allergic diseases can develop at any age and heredity plays a key role in who will develop it. If one parent has an allergic disease, the estimated risk to the child to develop allergies is 25% and to 50% if both parents have allergies. Also the allergic mother is more likely to transfer the disease to the child as compared to an allergic father.

Is there any role of Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Unani or other alternative systems of medicine in allergy/asthma treatment?

Alternative medications are still popular worldwide. These medications have not been subjected to scientific scrutiny, and their effectiveness and safety has not been authentically proven as opposed to scientifically proven and well documented Allopathic treatment for allergies and asthma.

What are antigens?

Antigens are large molecules (usually proteins) on the surface of cells, viruses, fungi, bacteria, and some non–living substances such as toxins, chemicals, drugs, and foreign particles.

What are antibodies?

Antibodies are proteins produced by a type of white blood cells called B Lymphocytes. There are five different classes of antibodies, each of which has a unique structure and function and is listed: IgM, IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG.

What is the difference between allergy and allergic type reactions?

Some people have allergic–type reactions to hot or cold temperatures, sunlight, or other physical stimuli. In some persons, friction (such as rubbing or vigorously stroking the skin) will cause symptoms (dermatographism). The mechanism that causes this is not well understood, but it is possible that minute changes in the chemistry of the skin may occur in response to physical stimuli and some component of this chemical change triggers the allergy.