FAQ

Allergy is an increased sensitivity to a foreign substance (called an allergen) that causes the body's defence system (the immune system) to overreact when defending itself. Allergens can stimulate an immune response when you breathe in or touch the allergen, or by ingestion of food or beverage, or from injections of medication

Asthma is swelling in the muscle layer of small lung pipes. It can be transient or temporary, and that can be in a young child less than 5 years of age. It can remain for a long period or can increase if not controlled or treated at the right time. There may be a family history of allergy or asthma.

Medicines given to treat allergy or asthma can be in the form of syrups, tablets, nasal sprays, or inhalers (puffs or rotacaps) or medicines given by nebulization. They are prescribed according to the age and condition of patients. They can be given for short intervals or for long times, according to the patient's condition and severity of illness.

As previously mentioned, TB infection usually occurs initially in the upper part (lobe) of the lungs. The body's immune system, however, can stop the bacteria from continuing to reproduce. Thus, the immune system can make the lung infection inactive (dormant). On the other hand, if the body's immune system cannot contain the TB bacteria, the bacteria will reproduce (become active or reactivate) in the lungs and spread elsewhere in the body. It may take many months from the time the infection initially gets into the lungs until symptoms develop. The usual symptoms that occur with an active TB infection are a generalized tiredness or weakness, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. If the infection in the lung worsens, then further symptoms can include coughing, chest pain, coughing up of sputum (material from the lungs) and/or blood, and shortness of breath. If the infection spreads beyond the lungs, the symptoms will depend upon the organs involved.

Unfortunately, there isn't. The results of research going on in this aspect might lead to even more effective asthma treatments and an even better quality of life for everyone who has asthma.

Allergies can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. Generally, allergies are more common in children. However, a first-time occurrence can happen at any age or recur after many years of remission. There is a tendency for allergies to occur in families, although the exact genetic factors that cause them are not yet understood. In susceptible people, factors such as hormones, stress, smoke, perfume, or other environmental irritants may also play a role. Often, the symptoms of allergies develop gradually over a period of time.