Allergy & Asthma Centre - Blog

Adenoid Hypertrophy in Children: What Every Parent Should Know

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 07:29:07 +0000

Adenoid Hypertrophy in Children: What Every Parent Should Know

Adenoid hypertrophy is a very common condition seen in children, yet it is often overlooked or mistaken for “just frequent colds.” Understanding it early can make a big difference in your child’s breathing, sleep, and overall development.

1. What are Adenoids?

Adenoids are a patch of lymphoid tissue located at the back of the nose (nasopharynx). They are part of the immune system and help fight infections, especially in early childhood.

2. What is Adenoid Hypertrophy?

Adenoid hypertrophy simply means enlargement of the adenoids. This enlargement can block the nasal airway and affect breathing, especially in children between 2–8 years of age.

3. Common Causes

Recurrent viral infections

Allergies

Environmental factors

Genetics

4. Symptoms to Watch For

Children with enlarged adenoids may present with:

Persistent nasal blockage

Mouth breathing

Snoring or noisy breathing

Sleep disturbances

Frequent colds

Recurrent ear infections

Daytime irritability

5. Why is it Important to Treat?

If left untreated, it can lead to:

Poor sleep quality affecting growth and development

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Changes in facial structure

Speech and learning difficulties

Recurrent ear problems

6. The Allergy Connection

Many children with adenoid hypertrophy also have underlying allergies such as Allergic Rhinitis.

Treating the allergy can:

Reduce adenoid size

Improve symptoms

Avoid unnecessary surgery in some cases

7. How is it Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on:

Detailed clinical history

Nasal examination

X-ray or nasal endoscopy

Allergy evaluation when indicated

8. Management Options

1. Medical Management

Nasal saline irrigation

Intranasal steroid sprays

Anti-allergy medications

Allergen avoidance

2. Allergy-Focused Treatment

Identification of triggers

Long-term allergy control

Immunotherapy in selected cases

3. Surgical Management

In moderate to severe cases or when complications occur, adenoidectomy (removal of adenoids) may be advised.

9. When Should You See a Specialist?

Persistent mouth breathing

Snoring most nights

Poor sleep or daytime fatigue

Recurrent ear or sinus infections

10. Take-Home Message

Adenoid hypertrophy is common—but not something to ignore.

Early diagnosis and addressing underlying allergies can significantly improve your child’s quality of life and may even prevent surgery.

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Allergies and Pollution: Are They Related?

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 12:49:08 +0000

Allergies and Pollution: Are They Related?

Yes — very much.

Air pollution in Indian cities (PM2.5, dust, smoke, traffic fumes) is a major trigger that worsens existing allergies and increases the risk of developing new ones.

How Pollution Affects Allergies

Irritates the nose and lungs → makes them more sensitive to allergens.
Breaks pollen into smaller particles → deeper entry into airways, stronger reactions.
Carries allergens like dust mites & spores on pollution particles.
Prolongs pollen seasons due to climate change.
Triggers asthma even in non-allergic individuals.

Who Is Affected Most?

Children, adults with asthma, people with dust/pollen allergy, and those living in high-traffic or industrial areas.

How to Protect Yourself

Check AQI daily; avoid outdoor activity on poor AQI days.
Use N95 masks outdoors.
Keep windows closed on bad AQI days; maintain clean indoor air.
Continue your allergy/asthma medications regularly.
Get a detailed allergy evaluation if symptoms persist.

Conclusion: Pollution doesn’t cause allergies by itself, but it makes allergic diseases much worse. Managing exposure and optimising treatment can significantly improve symptoms.

Are Allergies Inherited? | Understanding the Role of Genetics in Allergies

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 16:21:20 +0000

Are Allergies Inherited? | Understanding the Role of Genetics in Allergies

One of the most common questions I get from parents is:
“Doctor, are allergies inherited?”

The answer is yes — allergic conditions often run in families. If one parent has allergies, their child has a 30–50%chance of developing allergies. If both parents are allergic, the risk rises to 60–80%.

But here’s the key point:
🧬 Children don’t always inherit the exact same allergy. Instead, they inherit a tendency — a sensitive immune system that may overreact to everyday substances like:

Dust mites
Pollen
Pet dander
Certain foods
Moulds

This is why we often see what’s called the "Allergic March" — where allergic symptoms evolve over time:

Infants may show eczema (atopic dermatitis)
Young children might develop food allergies or asthma
Older kids and teens can begin showing signs of allergic rhinitis (sneezing, nose block, etc.)

What Can You Do?

If allergies run in your family, it's a good idea to:

Be alert to early symptoms like frequent colds, itchy rashes, or breathing issues
Avoid known triggers in the home environment
Get an early allergy evaluation with a certified allergist

At Dr. Mosam Maroo’s Allergy and Asthma Centre, we offer comprehensive allergy testing and personalised care plans for both children and adults.

🔍 Worried your child may be developing allergies?
Let’s take a closer look — early diagnosis can make all the difference.

📞 Book an appointment today or reach out for a quick query — your family's allergy care starts here.

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Prevalence of Allergic Diseases in India

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 06:38:13 +0000

Prevalence of Allergic Diseases in India

Overall Prevalence: Approximately 20–30% of India's population suffers from at least one allergic disease, including asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, food allergies, or drug allergies.
Asthma: India has an estimated 37.5 million asthma patients, with about 40–50% of pediatric cases being uncontrolled or severe. The prevalence of asthma has increased from 41.9 per 1,000 individuals in 2004–05 to 54.9 per 1,000 in 2011–12.
Allergic Rhinitis (AR): A systematic review suggests that AR affects approximately 1 in every 6 people in India.
Atopic Dermatitis (AD): In 2021, India reported the highest number of atopic dermatitis cases globally, with 12.9 million individuals affected.
Food Allergies: Studies in Karnataka indicate that sensitization to common food allergens is present in 20% of children and 25% of adults.

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The Best Indoor Plants for Air Purification

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 09:51:00 +0000

The Best Indoor Plants for Air Purification

Indoor air quality impacts health. Certain houseplants remove toxins and improve air quality naturally.

🌿 Top Air-Purifying Plants

1️⃣ Bamboo Palm

✅ Filters benzene, formaldehyde

✅ Adds moisture, great for dry air

2️⃣ Boston Fern

✅ Removes formaldehyde, xylene

✅ Boosts humidity, ideal for new furniture

3️⃣ Rubber Plant

✅ Absorbs formaldehyde, benzene

✅ Low maintenance, great for offices

4️⃣ English Ivy

✅ Filters benzene, formaldehyde

✅ Ideal for rooms with electronics

5️⃣ Chrysanthemum

✅ Absorbs ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde

✅ Needs bright light to bloom

6️⃣ Gerbera Daisy

✅ Absorbs toxins, releases oxygen at night

✅ Ideal for bedrooms

7️⃣ Areca Palm

✅ Removes xylene, formaldehyde

✅ Increases indoor humidity

8️⃣ Spider Plant

✅ Removes carbon monoxide, xylene

✅ Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms

🏡 Best Placement for These Plants

✔️ Bedrooms – Better air for sleep

✔️ Living Rooms – Fresh, toxin-free air

✔️ Kitchens & Bathrooms – Removes fumes

✔️ Offices – Filters chemicals from electronics

🌱 Final Thoughts

These plants enhance decor and promote better health by purifying the air. Which ones do you have at home? Let us know in the comments!

For more allergy and air quality tips, follow Dr. Mosam Maroo’s Allergy and Asthma Centre.

Early Food Introduction in Infants

Fri, 03 Jan 2025 11:34:00 +0000

Early Food Introduction in Infants

Early food introduction among healthy, growing infants who are developing appropriately for their age is strongly advocated.

Indian culture has long thrived on indigenous dietary practices, which may be a contributing factor to the relatively lower prevalence of food allergies in the country. However, with the growing westernization of diets and lifestyle, the incidence of food allergies is rising in India.

Early food introduction refers to the practice of introducing allergenic foods to infants between the ages of 4 to 6 months. Research suggests that this can help reduce the risk of developing food allergies. Common allergenic foods that can be introduced include eggs, cow's milk, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, sesame, and fish. The specific foods introduced can follow family customs, and there is no strict order recommended. A new food can be introduced every 3-5 days. Once introduced, it should be fed to the child at least once a week, in any tolerated amount.

Allergy testing is generally not necessary before introducing these foods, except in selected cases. It is advisable to consult an allergist to help guide the decision-making process.

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