Allergies

CoronaVirus Updates

Avoid Covaxin in case of allergies, fever: Bharat Biotech

Hyderabad, Jan 19 (IANS) Bharat Biotech, makers of India's first indigenous vaccine for Covid-19, has advised people not to take 'Covaxin' if they have allergies, fever, bleeding disorder, are on blood thinners, immune-comrpomised, or are on medicines that affect immune system.The Hyderabad-based vaccine-maker, in a fact sheet for recipients and caregivers, said that even pregnant and nursing women should not take the vaccine.People who have taken another Covid-19 vaccine or are suffering from any other serious health-related issues should also not take Covaxin.Bharat Biotech reiterated that the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) had authorised the "restricted use of Covaxin under clinical trial mode"."Individuals who are prioritised under the public health programme of the Health Ministry will be covered under this endeavour. Informing the individuals about the offer to vaccinate them with Covaxin will rest with the respective government programme officials. Those offered Covaxin at pre-specified booths will have the option to receive or reject the administration of the vaccine," says the fact sheet that surfaced on Tuesday.Company sources told IANS that the fact sheet was issued last week."As with any new medicine, this vaccine will be closely monitored to allow quick identification of any new safety information," said Bharat Biotech. Side effects can be reported to toll-free number 18001022245.The vaccine-maker said that in phase 1 and 2 clinical trials, Covaxin has demonstrated the ability to produce antibodies against Covid-19. However, the clinical efficacy of Covaxin is yet to be established and it is still being studied in phase 3 clinical trial.In phase 1 and 2 trials, 680 people were administered two doses each of Covaxin. The phase 3 clinical trial with 25,800 participants is on. The first dose was administered to them on January 6.In the ongoing clinical trial, Covaxin has shown to generate immunity following two doses given four weeks apart, the firm said.Covaxin, which Bharat Biotech developed in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research and National Institute of Virology, and 'Covishield', developed by Oxford University and pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca and manufactured by Serum Institute of India at Pune, have been cleared by the DCGI for emergency use. Both the vaccines are in use during the nationwide immunisation programme launched on January 16.The move to include Covaxin even before the publication of data from its phase 3 trial had come under criticism from some quarters. However, the regulator had defended the decision by saying that both the vaccines were totally safe.Over 500 adverse reactions were reported from across the country during two days of immunisation. Two deaths were also reported but the government clarified that these were not related to vaccination.Bharat Biotech said in case of any Serious Adverse Events (SAV), vaccine recipients will be provided medically recognised standards of care in government-designated and authorised centers/hospitals. Compensation for serious adverse event will be paid by Bharat Biotech International Limited and if SAV is proved to be casually related to the vaccine. The compensation amount will be determined by the ICMR Central Ethics Committee, it added.--IANSms/tsb
Diseases

Children with COPD: Causes, Symptoms, and Ayurvedic Treatment

COPD or Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease makes it difficult to breathe due to long-term damage that weakens or collapses the air sacs between the lungs. COPD occurs when long-term damage to the lungs makes it difficult to breathe since the walls between the air sacs of the lungs become weak and may collapse. It is most common among adults who are current or former cigarette smokers. "Usually, when a child has difficulty breathing, a chronic cough or wheezing, it is due to Asthma, a chronic lung infection or a congenital hereditary disease affecting lungs by the production of thick mucus which blocks the airways. This also exposes the lungs to chronic infection and further lung damage. Such symptoms may also be due to exposure to cigarette smoke (secondary smoke), air pollution, or other irritants. Research has proven that children with asthma or other lung problems have a greater chance of developing COPD in adult life," says Dr. Praveen Khilnani, Clinical Director and Senior Consultant, Paediatrics, Paediatric Pulmonology, and Critical Care, Madhukar Rainbow Children's Hospital. Also, Read► A new study links COPD, smoking to higher COVID-19 mortality​ COPD Stages COPD can be categorized in the following stages:-  Early Stage Moderate Stage Severe Stage Very Severe Stage COPD Symptoms Some indicative signs of the disease are: Short breath while doing physical activities Wheezing Chest tightness Chronic cough which can be clear, white, yellow, or greenish Frequent respiratory infections Lack of energy Sudden weight loss (in later stages) Also, Read► Current smokers, people with COPD COPD Diagnosis Prevalence of co-occurrence of COPD diagnosis in parents and offspring with Intergenerational associations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been well recognized. This may result from genetic, gene-environment, or exposure to lifestyle factors. Studies have shown that parents who have a preterm birth, children with low birth weight, parents exposed to tobacco exposure in the uterine, children with respiratory diseases, primarily asthma and pneumonia, in children can give way to lung problems in later childhood. Children exposed to smoke around them also have a negative impact on the lungs, which can develop as COPD in adulthood. Most children develop asthma symptoms before 5 years. Asthma can be difficult to diagnose in toddlers. It is sometimes difficult to distinguish between asthma or another childhood condition as the symptoms in both cases are very similar. Also, Read► Non-smokers with COPD at higher risk of lung cancer: Study Signs of Allergies A child who has frequent bouts of cold wheezes respiratory infections can have asthma if the parent is asthmatic. Signs of allergies are spotted in the child has signs of allergies which can be eczema the child wheezes almost all the time. "Children with asthma should carry inhalers with them. Parents and schools should ensure clean air for children. Schools and homes should have clean and healthy air. Parents should also be cautious of not smoking during pregnancy", suggests Dr. Khilnani. COPD Ayurvedic Treatment COPD can be diagnosed with Lung function tests and CT scans. COPD incidence is found to be the highest among children with both asthma and pneumonia in childhood. Care should be taken to treat these diseases in children. In most cases, asthma in children is cured in adults. However, children who have weak lungs develop COPD in later adult lives. Study shows that 11 percent of children with severe asthma had COPD as young adults, and three out of four children with persistent asthma have low lung function by their early 20s. Usually, boys with asthma have a higher incidence of low lung function capability than girls. "If a child has severe asthma, doctors recommend a spirometry test to be taken annually. It checks how much air you can breathe in and out, and how fast you can exhale air from your lungs. COPD can't be cured, but timely care can help keep your lungs working well for as long as possible. Smoking plays a very active role in developing COPD, so active smoking as well as passive smoking should be avoided for such patients. Being alert about the symptoms of COPD also helps a lot to treat this at an early stage", says Dr. Khilnani. (Agency) Read More► What is The Best Treatment for COPD
CoronaVirus Updates

Britons with serious allergies warned

London - The UK's medical regulator has advised that anyone who has a history of significant allergic reactions to medicines, food or vaccines should not receive the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine currently in use in the country, according to media reports. Wednesday's precautionary advice by the country's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) came a day after two National Health Service staff members experienced allergic reactions after being vaccinated, Xinhua news agency quoted a Sky News report as saying. The MHRA's advisory said that any person with a significant allergic reaction to a vaccine, medicine or food, such as previous history of anaphylactoid reaction, or those who have been advised to carry an adrenaline autoinjector, should not receive the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine, CNN reported. It added that vaccines "should only be carried out in facilities where resuscitation measures are available". "We are fully investigating the two reports that have been reported to us as a matter of priority," an MHRA spokesperson said. "Once all the information has been reviewed we will communicate updated advice." Meanwhile, Stephen Powis, the national medical director for NHS England, said in a statement on Wednesday: "As is common with new vaccines the MHRA have advised on a precautionary basis that people with a significant history of allergic reactions do not receive this vaccination after two people with a history of significant allergic reactions responded adversely yesterday. "Both are recovering well," Powis added The Covid-19 vaccine, developed jointly by German company BioNTech and its American partner Pfizer, has been given approval for use by the UK. Vaccination started on Tuesday. Reacting to the development, Pfizer that it had been advised by the UK regulator of "two yellow card reports that may be associated with allergic reaction" due to administration of the vaccine, adding that it was "supporting the MHRA in the investigation". (IANS)
CoronaVirus Updates

Covid face masks can trigger skin allergies: Study

New York, Nov 13 (IANS) Researchers, including one of Indian-origin, have revealed that face masks worn to stop the spread of Covid-19 can trigger bouts of eczema in people with sensitive skin and allergies.Eczema is a condition that causes inflamed, itchy, cracked, and rough skin. The most common type is atopic dermatitis.A medically challenging case presented at this year's virtual American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting revealed that for a man with several skin allergies, mask-wearing triggered his contact dermatitis."We treated a 60-year-old Black man with adult-onset eczema, contact dermatitis and chronic nasal allergies in our clinic after he presented three times to our hospital emergency room (ER) because of an uncomfortable face rash," said study author Yashu Dhamija, ACAAI member."Up until April 2020, his skin conditions had been under control, but with mask-wearing, his symptoms began occurring in areas that providers were not yet accustomed to," Dhamija added.The ER doctors who first saw the patient prescribed prednisone for the rash. When his symptoms were not relieved, the patient underwent a follow up telehealth visit with the hospital's allergy clinic.Further investigation revealed his skin allergies had begun to flare in April 2020, coinciding with the pandemic and his mask-wearing."We realized that his rash appeared right where the elastic parts of a mask would rest," said study co-author Kristin Schmidlin, ACAAI member."We tapered down the prednisone and advised him to use a topical steroid and a topical immunosuppressant until the rash resolved."We also told him to use cotton-based, dye-free masks without elastic. At a follow-up telephone visit one week later, the patient said his rash continued to improve," Schmidlin added.The authors noted that common allergens that can affect contact dermatitis are found in masks, elastic bands, and other components of face masks. People with existing skin allergies should work with their allergist.--IANS bu/dpb
Nirog Health Tips

Avoid skin allergies caused by masks

Wearing a mask is a must, but this has led to many complaining of various skin issues. Masks create a hot and moist environment inside it, becoming the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and germs. These bacteria make the skin itchy and acne and rashe prone. Lalita Arya, Vice President Dermapuritys, suggests a few ways on how one can prevent skin problems which may arise from wearing a mask for longer periods. To prevent skin problems: Make sure that your skin has been cleansed properly and then moisturized with a water-based moisturizer as they are light and suitable for hot weather, also it are not oily. After moisturising your face, apply an antibacterial or anti-inflammatory cream for extra protection. This step will avoid any chances for rashes and acne to occur. Once you have removed the mask wash your hands with soap and then cleanse your face to remove any grown bacteria; do not forget to moisturize irrespective of your skin type else the skin will dry up and cause irritation and skin problems. How to cure skin issues caused by mask: If acne or rash has shown up in the area, take care of it as it can grow, get aggravated and cause irritation. Apply anti-inflammatory cream or zinc oxide on the affected areas. Try home remedies for acne and do not pick your acne as it worsens its condition. Do not rub over the rash, it can cause swelling and irritation. Follow a good skincare regimen and find suitable products according to your skin types. If the skin condition worsens, visit a dermatologist for expert help. Home remedies: Use cucumber on the skin in different forms; rub cucumber juice ice-cubes it would soothe the skin, or can easily rub slices of cucumber on the face. Try homemade soothing face packs for or a healthy and refreshed skin If you have acne-prone skin, then do not exfoliate your skin, it can worsen the condition and can make it painful. TIPS: Prefer a disposable mask also ensure your dispose of them in a correct way If your skin feels dry and flaky, cleanse the face gently and apply heavy moisturizer to rehydrate the skin. If using reusable masks, use cotton, or a breathable fabric mask. You may even wash the mask and clean the bacteria that might have grown so that they do not transfer onto your skin again. Keep your diet vitamin C and K rich, you may also take supplements for the same. These are essential elements for the skin. Use gentle products on your face. Use light weight moisturizer; prefer a water-based product. Since moisturizer with oil base can feel sticky and attract dust. The mask should not be too tight else it will leave marks and severe rashes. (Puja Gupta can be contacted at [email protected])
CoronaVirus Updates

Managing allergies during Covid-19

 In this unprecedented ?global crisis, health should be a top priority. With the onset of the monsoons and the rise in indoor pollution, allergies are on the rise? - along with Covid-19 itself - and have a direct impact on body's respiratory system. The common cold and flu is also rampant to add to the misery. It is necessary to understand seasonal allergies, its symptoms in order to distinguish them from the symptoms of the common cold, flu, and Covid-19. Even though there could be few similarities, there are distinguishing features that separates them. It is imperative to understand this in order to manage it and avail treatment options. If you have bouts of sneezing, a runny and stuffed nose with watery and itchy eyes, then you are suffering from an allergy, Dr Sanjay Sachdeva Director, ENT for Head and Neck Surgery at Max Healthcare Limited, New Delhi told IANSlife. "Fever, shortness of breath and cough defines the symptoms of Covid-19. In both cases, sore throat, fatigue and headaches are prevalent but look for the differentiating symptoms to understand your ailment. Allergies can last up to months while a common cold or flu usually lasts for 7-14 days. Cough is a symptom of Allergy only if it is associated with Bronchial Asthma. "Fever, body aches and pains are not signs of seasonal allergies. The key to managing allergies are prompt treatment. Even though you are not venturing out, online consultation and tele-medicine options are available. When the symptom appears, you must consult a doctor, prolonged delays can aggravate the situation leading to asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory diseases," the expert said over email. Allergy Rhinitis is an inflammation of the nose as a result of one's immune system overreacting to allergen. Being confined at home, indoor pollution due to prolonged exposure is impacting our system especially if the environment is air conditioned. Rugs, duvets, curtains, carpets contribute and so does dampness and moisture - more so in the monsoon. Excessive growth of molds on moist surfaces is also a common allergy trigger. It is crucial to know your allergies and avoid these triggers, along with seeking medical intervention. Allergies can be managed and treated with right approach and educated early response. Allergies in children In children, allergies have a severe impact as they are more prone to and are highly susceptible due to a developing immune system. While allergic rhinitis shares symptoms with common cold, such as frequent or continuous sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, and nasal congestion, it is important to consult your pediatrician to understand the differences. Allergies can impair cognition and psycho-motor development as well. Identifying allergies and responding quickly to the symptoms will help improve your child's quality of life, reduce the number of missed school days and increase their activity levels. Take control of the situation and consult an allergist immediately when you observe such symptoms, says Dr Krishan Chugh, Director and HOD, Paediatrics and PICU at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, New Delhi. We must remember that if not controlled at an early stage itself, stronger medicines may be required and those may not be safe to take during this Covid-19 pandemic. The immune system of children is in the developmental stage, lungs are still developing, and their bodies are less able to metabolize and detoxify toxicants present in air pollution. Children inhale more air per unit of body weight than adults, hence the exposure to allergens is more in proportion to adults. Exposure to air pollution can harm normal growth of lung function in the womb, during childhood and right up to the late teens. Recurrent allergic responses and exposure tend to have long-term physical, cognitive and psychological impact on children. According to a new WHO report 'Air pollution and child health: prescribing clean air', every day around a staggering 93 percent of the world's children below 15 breathe air that is so polluted it puts their health and development at serious risk. Precautions to better manage allergies Few precautions that need to be taken are keep indoors clean and dust free, identify causes of allergy, especially during seasonal changes, use clean cooking sources with exhaust systems and ensure children wear masks while outdoors. New-generation medicines and lifestyle management is a must to treat allergies and keep them in control. The right approach with lifestyle modifications and treatment is the key to manage your allergies especially during the pandemic. (Siddhi Jain can be contacted at [email protected])