Bengaluru, June 17: Allergies and gut health disorders are emerging as major public health concerns in Bengaluru, driven by rapid urbanisation, environmental pollution and changing lifestyles, according to leading homeopathic physician and researcher Dr. Kushal Banerjee.
Highlighting the growing health burden ahead of World Allergy Week, Dr. Banerjee noted that allergic rhinitis now affects nearly 20–30 per cent of Indians, with residents of metropolitan cities such as Bengaluru particularly vulnerable due to prolonged exposure to air pollution, pollen, dust and other environmental allergens.
Bengaluru’s rapid urban expansion, increasing vehicular emissions, year-round pollen exposure and ongoing construction activities have created conditions that can aggravate allergic and respiratory illnesses. Healthcare experts believe that climate change, deteriorating air quality and evolving lifestyle patterns are contributing to a steady rise in chronic allergies and gastrointestinal disorders among urban populations.
Studies indicate that nearly 55 per cent of employees experience symptoms of allergic rhinitis and spend an average of 52.5 days annually dealing with the condition. Beyond sneezing, nasal congestion and itchy eyes, persistent allergies can lead to fatigue, sleep disturbances, poor concentration and reduced workplace productivity. In a city known for its large professional workforce, such health issues can have a significant impact on daily life and work performance.
Respiratory illnesses also continue to pose a major challenge. India is estimated to have over 34 million asthma patients, making it one of the countries with the highest asthma burden globally. Experts estimate that asthma results in an annual economic burden of nearly ₹71 billion through healthcare costs and productivity losses.
Research further suggests that allergy-related presenteeism can reduce workplace productivity by an average of 2.3 hours per day.
At the same time, gut health disorders are becoming increasingly common among urban residents. Conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), lactose intolerance, chronic constipation and functional diarrhoea are affecting quality of life and overall well-being.
Specialists attribute the trend to factors such as stress, dietary changes, sedentary lifestyles and disrupted daily routines.
“Environmental allergies and gut health disorders are no longer isolated health concerns. They affect productivity, mental well-being, sleep quality and overall quality of life,” said Dr. Kushal Banerjee. “In fast-growing urban centres like Bengaluru, environmental and lifestyle factors are contributing to a rising disease burden. Greater awareness, early intervention and patient-centric healthcare approaches are essential.”
Emphasising the importance of informed healthcare choices, Dr. Banerjee said patients today are increasingly seeking treatment options that align with their long-term health goals and personal preferences.
“As healthcare providers, we must encourage informed decision-making, respect patient autonomy and continue supporting scientific inquiry across different therapeutic disciplines to improve patient outcomes,” he added.
Experts believe that greater public awareness about environmental triggers, preventive measures, healthy lifestyle practices and timely medical intervention can play a crucial role in reducing the growing burden of allergy and digestive disorders in Bengaluru and other urban centres across the country.
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