Expert warns against ignoring persistent catarrh, allergies

An Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist at Ring Road State Hospital Adeoyo, Ibadan, Dr John Babarinde, has warned Nigerians against dismissing persistent catarrh and nasal allergies as minor ailments, stressing that untreated allergic rhinitis could significantly affect quality of life and lead to complications.

Babarinde spoke during a lecture titled “Allergic Rhinitis and Its Management” at the May 2026 Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme organised by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Oyo State branch, in collaboration with the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), Oyo State Hospital Management Board branch.

According to him, allergic rhinitis is an immunoglobulin E-mediated hypersensitivity reaction to allergens and is characterised by repeated sneezing, watery nasal discharge, nasal blockage and itching.

He described the condition as one of the most underdiagnosed and underestimated chronic nasal diseases globally.

“Allergic rhinitis affects about 10 to 30 per cent of adults and up to 40 per cent of children worldwide. Studies in Nigeria have reported prevalence ranging from 22 per cent to over 45 per cent,” he said.

The ENT expert identified age, genetics, environmental pollution, industrialisation, urbanisation and living conditions as major predisposing factors.

He listed common allergens to include pollen, house dust mites, fungi, grass, flowers, animal dander and foods such as seafood, eggs, nuts and roasted corn.

According to him, allergic rhinitis could also affect the eyes, throat and ears, causing itching, redness, watery eye discharge and ear blockage.

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Babarinde warned that poorly managed allergic rhinitis may lead to complications such as asthma, sinusitis, conjunctivitis, nasal polyps and ear infections.

He stressed that patient education and avoidance of allergens remain the cornerstone of treatment.

“The lasting solution is to identify what triggers the allergy and avoid exposure to it,” he stated.

He advised regular washing of beddings, removal of dust-trapping rugs and reduction of exposure to smoke, chemicals and identified food triggers.

Babarinde also clarified misconceptions surrounding catarrh, noting that many cases commonly dismissed as “ordinary catarrh” may actually be allergic rhinitis.

“Everybody may have catarrh occasionally, especially during cold weather, but when it becomes persistent or recurrent, it should not be ignored,” he said.

He added that home remedies such as steam inhalation with menthol or ginger may temporarily relieve nasal congestion but do not treat the underlying allergy.

Chairman of the occasion and Consultant ENT surgeon, Dr Badejoko Adeyemo, described allergic rhinitis as a growing health concern requiring greater attention from healthcare professionals and the public.

According to him, Nigeria is currently experiencing the “allergy season,” characterised by increased exposure to environmental allergens such as pollen and flowers.

“The impact of this condition on patients and caregivers is substantial. Many patients become embarrassed moving around constantly with tissues or handkerchiefs because of persistent nasal discharge,” he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Oyo State branch, Dr Happy Adedapo, described the CME programme as a landmark event and noted that allergic rhinitis remains a growing public health concern, especially with climate change and increasing urbanisation.