Climate change has increased the incidence of skin and respiratory allergies, according to allergologists at a July 10 event organized by the Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (PSAAI).听
听鈥淭here鈥檚 longer pollination as well as increasing humidity, leading to the proliferation of dust mites, molds, pollens, and fungi. This leads to an increasing incidence of skin and respiratory allergies,鈥 said Dr. Addah S. de Peralta, an allergologist at De La Salle University Medical Center.听听
Dust mites, molds, pollens, and fungi are among the most common allergens, or substances that cause allergic reactions.听听听
A found that atmospheric conditions affect the release of pollen, and the timing and magnitude will be altered by climate change. Simultaneous exposure to allergens and toxic air pollutants can also worsen allergic responses, .听听听
鈥淭o decrease the effects of climate change, we need to practice solid waste management in our barangays [communities],鈥 said Dr. Glaiza M. Madulara, an allergologist affiliated with Pacific Global Medical Center.听听听
Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a chronic skin condition that makes one鈥檚 skin red and itchy. It tends to flare periodically, and may be accompanied by asthma or hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis).听听听
Patients with this condition have a 50%鈥75% risk of developing asthma and allergic rhinitis, Dr. Madulara said. 鈥淎topic dermatitis is usually the starting point for food allergies to develop later in life too.鈥澨
While there is no cure for it, individuals can control atopic dermatitis by the avoidance of skin triggers and good skin care.听听
鈥淪hower with lukewarm water, use a gentle skin cleanser, and apply moisturizer after tapping dry your skin,鈥 said Dr. Madulara. 鈥淔lareups can be treated with steroidal anti-inflammatory creams or ointments, per the supervision of each individual鈥檚 doctor.鈥澨
Avoiding triggers is also a good management strategy for allergic rhinitis, according to Dr. Jose Carlo Miguel M. Villanueva, an allergologist from Capitol Oral Rehabilitation Center Medical/Dental Clinic.听听听
If you have a runny nose in the morning, sneeze when it鈥檚 dusty, and have itchy eyes especially at night, then you might have allergic rhinitis, he said. 鈥淸Another telltale sign] is mouth breathing because of a clogged nose, which can result in dry lips, a change in the shape of your jawline, and crooked teeth,鈥 he added.听听
Symptoms worsen with weather changes, strong emotions, and air pollution. 鈥淥ne of the most important things to find out is which allergens give you your symptoms,鈥 said Dr. Villanueva. 鈥淥ne way to do it is through a skin allergy test.鈥澨
A patient’s skin is exposed to suspected allergens in a skin prick test. The skin area is then observed for signs of an allergic reaction. Those with a family history of atopy 鈥 or the genetic tendency to develop allergic rhinitis, asthma, and eczema 鈥 are more predisposed to having allergies ().听听
鈥淎s we go through the new normal and start to finally get our old lives again, let鈥檚 not forget that there are people who struggle with diseases in everyday life,鈥 Dr. de Peralta said.听听
The overall prevalence of allergic rhinitis in the Philippines is 20%.听听
July 8 is National Allergy Day. – Patricia B. Mirasol
