Question 1

What are the common causes of asthma and allergies in Indian children?

Accepted Answer

Common triggers in India include:
 • House dust mites
 • Pollution and vehicle smoke
 • Seasonal pollen
 • Mosquito coils & incense sticks

Question 2

How can I identify asthma symptoms in my child?

Accepted Answer

Look for:
 • Frequent coughing (especially at night or early morning)
 • Wheezing
 • Chest tightness
 • Shortness of breath
 • Cough after playing, laughing, or crying
 • Pet dander
 • Weather changes
 • Viral infections
 • Cockroach allergens

Question 3

Can asthma be cured?

Accepted Answer

There is no permanent cure, but with proper treatment most children lead completely normal lives and outgrow symptoms as their lungs mature.

Question 4

Are inhalers safe for children?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Inhalers with a spacer + mask deliver medicine directly to the lungs using much smaller doses than syrups or tablets — making them safer and more effective.

Question 5

My family says inhalers are addictive. Is it true?

Accepted Answer

No. Inhalers are not addictive and are recommended by all international and Indian medical guidelines (IAP, GINA).

Question 6

What should I do if my child gets an asthma attack?

Accepted Answer

Follow the Asthma Action Plan given by your doctor:
 • Give the reliever inhaler (usually salbutamol)
 • Keep the child calm and upright
 • Repeat dose as per your plan
 • Go to the ER if symptoms do not improve within 20 minutes

Question 7

Can my child play sports if they have asthma?

Accepted Answer

Yes. With well-controlled asthma, children can do all activities — even competitive sports.
 Many athletes, including Olympic players, have asthma.

Question 8

What triggers asthma in Indian weather?

Accepted Answer

• Winter pollution
 • Damp monsoon months (fungus & humidity)
 • Sudden temperature changes
 • Viral infections (common year-round in India)

Question 9

Can weather apps help?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Air Quality Index (AQI) apps can alert you on high pollution days.
 On poor AQI days:
 • Avoid outdoor play
 • Use masks if going out
 • Keep windows closed

Question 10

Does steam inhalation help asthma?

Accepted Answer

No. Steam may soothe nasal congestion but does not help asthma and can be dangerous for small children due to burn risk.

Question 11

What are the common allergies seen in Indian children?

Accepted Answer

• Dust mite allergy
 • Food allergies (milk, egg, peanut, wheat, soy)
 • Allergic rhinitis (sneezing, runny nose)
 • Eczema
 • Asthma triggered by allergy
 • Allergy to mosquito coil or incense smoke

Question 12

How are allergies tested?

Accepted Answer

Allergies can be diagnosed by:
 • Skin prick test
 • IgE blood test
 • Elimination diet (for food allergies)
 • Environmental assessment

Question 13

Should my child avoid dust completely?

Accepted Answer

It’s impossible to avoid dust in Indian homes completely, but you can reduce exposure by:
 • Wet mopping instead of dry sweeping
 • Washing curtains/soft toys regularly
 • Using dust-proof mattress covers
 • Avoiding carpets
 • Not using incense sticks or smoke-based repellents

Question 14

Are mosquito coils and incense sticks harmful for allergic children?

Accepted Answer

Yes. They produce smoke and chemicals that can trigger asthma and allergies.
 Use liquid electric repellents, mosquito nets, or non-smoke options instead.

Question 15

What foods commonly cause allergies in Indian children?

Accepted Answer

The most common are:
 • Cow’s milk
 • Egg
 • Peanut
 • Tree nuts (cashew, almond)
 • Wheat
 • Soy
 • Fish

Question 16

Will my child outgrow food allergies?

Accepted Answer

Many children outgrow milk and egg allergies.
 Peanut, tree nut, or fish allergies are less likely to be outgrown.

Question 17

Can I give my child home remedies for allergies?

Accepted Answer

Avoid using herbal mixtures, kadhas, or strong spices for infants/small children — many can worsen gastritis or cause allergies.
 Always consult a pediatrician.

Question 18

Is it safe to have a pet if my child has allergies?

Accepted Answer

If your child is allergic to pet dander:
 • Avoid having furry pets indoors
 • Keep the pet out of the child’s bedroom
 • Bathe pets regularly
 • Use air purifiers

Question 19

Should I give antihistamines often?

Accepted Answer

Avoid frequent over-the-counter antihistamines. They may cause drowsiness or hyperactivity in children.
 Long-term management should be guided by your doctor.

Question 20

Can allergies lead to asthma?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Children with eczema, allergic rhinitis, or food allergies have a higher chance of developing asthma — called the Allergic March.

Question 21

What are red-flag signs to seek emergency care?

Accepted Answer

Seek immediate help if your child has:
 • Difficulty breathing
 • Bluish lips
 • Severe wheezing
 • Swelling of face/lips
 • Continuous vomiting after food ingestion
 • Fainting episodes

Question 22

Can immunotherapy help allergies?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For selected cases of dust, pollen, or mite allergies, allergy immunotherapy (oral or subcutaneous) can significantly reduce symptoms.