Kathmandu, May 21

The number of people suffering from dust allergy is on the rise thanks to the roads filled with dust and smoke in Kathmandu valley.

The most common manifestation of dust allergy is rhinitis. Itching and redness of skin are also common. “People suffering from dust allergies have respiratory problems such as rhinitis, sinusitis and pharyngitis,” said Dr Khem Raj Bhusal, a consultant physician at Green City Hospital, Basundhara.

Incomplete construction work, industrial pollution and indoor air pollution are leading causes of allergies in people, according to the doctor.

“Air pollution is the major cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder in many patients. COPD is increasing among non-smokers in the city. It is because of environmental pollution,” according to the doctor.