By Saiful Bahri Kamaruddin
Pix Shahiddan Saidi

KUALA LUMPUR, 12 April 2016 –  Members of the public should undergo a screen test if think they suffer from allergies, said Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist Associate Prof Dr Mohd Razif Mohamad Yunus.

The screen test, known as the skin-prick allergy test, is available in every hospital.

Dr Mohd Razif, who is Head of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at The Tuanku Muhriz Chancellor Hospital (HCTM), said those who have symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, irritation and nasal congestion have a high risk of allergy.

“Patients who are identified with allergies can be given the proper care to reduce the risk of severe allergies,” he explained at a press conference in conjunction with World Allergy Day 2016, here today.

According to him delayed treatment can lead to serious complications such as brain infections and blindness.

Also present were the Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Hospital of UKM Prof. Dr. Ima Nirwana Soelaiman and Head of the Rhinology unit of the Dept of Otorhinolaryngology at HCTM Assoc Prof Dr. Salina Husain.

Dr. Salina stated that allergic rhinitis, also known as allergy of the nose is quite common among adults as well as children in in Malaysia.

“In Malaysia, 27 per cent of children suffer from the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and it was found that genetic factors and environmental exposures are among its causes,” she explained.

According to her, those who suffer from allergies experience decreased quality of life, lack of concentration at work and education as well as insomnia.