Thursday, 05 October 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Construction activities being carried out under the smart city project are leading to a surge in cases of allergies among the residents of Dehradun. Medical professionals have found a sudden spike in the number of allergy patients seeking treatment at hospitals and attributed it to the smart city project-related construction works. People are experiencing various allergies such as skin irritation and eye discomfort due to the ongoing construction works, the doctors said and added that the individuals with asthmatic complications should exercise caution so as to prevent aggravation of the asthmatic ailment.
Residents of the city have sounded concerned about the escalation in diseases spawned by the construction works being carried out by the smart city project agencies for several months.
Speaking of this matter, a Doon-based eye specialist Dr Amit Singh said, “The ongoing construction activities in the city have considerably contributed to a spurt in eye allergies compared to normal days. Previously, there were only one or two cases of eye allergies reported per month. However, presently, nearly every individual in the city is being afflicted with some form of allergy.” He further said that he has been treating a large number of patients who are having eye infections and allergies. “This is due to the construction works being conducted in the city in the name of smart city project,” he said. He further said that one might protect eyes from infection by using a protective layer like wearing sun glasses when out. “Those who are wearing specs are relatively safe,” he said and added that use of glasses might reduce the eye allergy cases by 15 percent. “Besides, everyone should thoroughly wash their hands before touching their eyes and prioritise wearing sunglasses whenever outdoors,” he said.
Singh also stressed that those who have some form of eye allergy should consult immediately a doctor instead of self-medicating or rushing to a chemist.
Speaking on the same matter, a physician associated with CMI Hospital Dr Anshika Jain said that the construction works now going in full swing in Doon are significantly contributing to a sudden and alarming surge in the number of allergy patients, encompassing not just eye allergies but coughing, skin allergies and respiratory complications, particularly for the asthmatics. “Those having asthmatic problems must be doubly cautious and if they develop even minor allergy or any other problem, though seemingly minor, they should rush to health facilities or doctors. Otherwise things might get aggravated in no time, resulting in acute respiratory problems,” she said. She cautioned people against going to the chemists. “They are generally inclined to give steroids which might worsen the ophthalmic complications instead of providing relief,” she added.
