In an ambitious move to address the burgeoning health challenge posed by Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma, Alkem Laboratories Ltd launched the “Stop Sneeze to Wheeze” initiative. Unveiled during World Allergy Week, this program adopts a comprehensive approach to tackling these coexisting respiratory conditions.
The initiative’s fundamental principle is “One Airway, One Disease.” This paradigm acknowledges the interconnection between Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma. Allergic Rhinitis, characterized by symptoms such as sneezing and nasal congestion, can, if unchecked, progress into Asthma – a chronic disease that affects the airways leading to the lungs.
The coexistence of these conditions can be detrimental to a patient’s quality of life as they can mutually worsen each other’s symptoms. This is where the “Stop Sneeze to Wheeze” initiative makes its mark, by emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and integrated management of both diseases.
Mr. Sudipta Roy from Alkem Laboratories highlights the gravity of the situation, “The incidence of asthma and Allergic Rhinitis is on the rise within the general population, with a significant number of newly diagnosed patients experiencing both upper and lower airway symptoms.”
What sets the “Stop Sneeze to Wheeze” initiative apart is its multifaceted approach. The program comprises awareness drives, camps, and clinics designed to educate the public and patients.
In addition to raising awareness, the initiative places significant emphasis on identifying common triggers and the importance of following prescribed treatment plans. It also encourages patients to consider allergy testing to identify specific allergens and emphasizes adopting a healthy lifestyle to strengthen the immune system.
Another notable aspect is the promotion of the Healthy Lungs portal. This online platform serves as a repository for information on lung diseases and is aimed at enhancing awareness, debunking myths, and encouraging patients to adhere to therapies.
The initiative’s approach can be a game-changer. Through its comprehensive and integrated approach, it has the potential to usher in a new era in the management of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for patients.