A new therapy to fight allergies

​Hanamkonda: With an alarming jump in the number of allergic-related diseases in the country, it’s high time to focus on the need for definitive therapy. It’s learnt that at least 30 per cent of the people in the country have been facing allergic-related diseases chronically or intermittently. As far as two Telugu-speaking States – Telangana and Andhra Pradesh – are concerned, it’s estimated that about 1.5 crore people are suffering from allergy.

Speaking to newsmen here on Sunday, Dr Vyakarnam Nageshwar, Allergy Super Specialist, Aswini Allergy Centres, explained the recent advances in clinical efficacy of the allergen‐specific immunotherapy (AIT). “With the AIT, which targets the cause and eradication of allergens, is considered as a standard treatment for allergic patients, people from different parts of the world from USA, Africa, London, Kuwait, Australia, Muscat, Afghanistan etc. are coming to Hyderabad to seek specialised care,” Dr Vyakarnam Nageshwar said, expressing confidence that Hyderabad could well become the global leader in allergy treatment.

Citing over 40 per cent reduction in symptoms and use of medication, he said that Sub Lingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) is the safest treatment as it also has a long-lasting effect even after the treatment was stopped.

SLIT is the safest treatment and has no steroid or any Antibiotic used as therapy and has been found to be significant in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and Asthma. Global Initiative on Asthma (GINA) Guidelines mentions, that Allergy Skin Testing & amp; Immunotherapy are part of treatment protocol for Asthma Management. Immunotherapy is the only curative tool for diseases that cannot be avoided. It can alter the course of disease and has a preventive effect, It can prevent polysensitization (developing allergy to many allergens), he said.

Claiming that he had successfully treated more than 200 patients of Allergy, Dr Vyakarnam said that AIT treatment method was only limited to developed countries. However, of late, Hyderabad is attracting patients suffering from allergies like asthma, rhinitis, sinusitis, skin rashes, food allergies, house-dust mites etc. from several countries.

He recalled that country’s first National Allergy Helpline 1800-425-0095 was launched by Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao. It may be mentioned here that the Helpline is looked after by a team led by Dr Vyakarnam at Hyderabad. This service offers immediate medical advice on allergies for the Indians.

He also dwelt at length about the most common allergens such as house-dust mite (microbial organism), cockroach, Alternaria and Parthenium weed. He said that patients with long standing asthma, allergic rhinitis, skin allergy, food allergy, etc can call 1800-425-0095 for seeking more information for AIT.