Hey there, fellow Mumbaikars! 👋

Are you waking up with a stuffy nose, sneezing more than your neighbour’s pet Pomeranian, or rubbing itchy eyes every time a BEST bus zooms past? Well, you’re not alone. Welcome to the very real (but totally manageable) world of Allergic Rhinitis—aka “allergy ka hangama!”

As an ENT specialist practicing in Malad and Goregaon East, I meet tons of patients who blame everything from their office AC to the local vada pav stall for their runny nose. And honestly? Sometimes they’re not entirely wrong! 😅

Let’s break it down—what’s causing your allergies in this part of Mumbai, and more importantly, how you can dodge them like a pro.

1. Dust Mites & Mumbai Ki Mitti

Let’s face it — no matter how much we clean, Mumbai homes (especially near the Western Express Highway) have a dust-loving personality.

Avoidance Tips:

• Use dust mite-proof pillow and mattress covers (your nose will thank you).

• Wash bedsheets weekly in hot water.

• Ditch those heavy curtains for easy-wash ones.

• Invest in a vacuum with a HEPA filter — think of it as your allergy-fighting sidekick.

Doc anecdote time:
One of my patients from Goregaon East cleaned his entire house before Diwali but forgot the ceiling fan. Let’s just say the fan was armed and dusty! A single spin led to a full-blown sneezing marathon. Don’t be that guy. 😅

2. Pet Dander (Yes, Your Furry Friend is Guilty!)

Your pet loves you — and your nasal mucosa? Not so much.

Avoidance Tips:

• Keep pets out of the bedroom.

• Bathe them regularly (and maybe bribe them with treats after).

• Vacuum pet hair often (don’t just sweep — it spreads the dander!).

Fun Fact:
A cat named “Meow-nika” once had her own corner in the living room, right under the air conditioner. Her human had non-stop allergies, not realizing Meownika’s fur was the flying culprit every time the AC turned on!

3. Pollen from Local Greenery

Yes, even our beautiful greenery has a sneaky pollen side hustle — especially near Aarey Colony, Mindspace gardens, and those beautiful roadside gulmohars!

Avoidance Tips:

• Keep windows shut during peak flowering season (Feb–May).

• Wear sunglasses to protect eyes from airborne pollen.

• Shower after outdoor activities to wash off pollen.

Relatable moment:
One jogger from Malad complained of “jogger’s nose” — not realizing he was literally jogging through a pollen cloud near In-Orbit Mall gardens. Fresh air is great, but timing and location matter!

4. Mould in Humid Corners

With Mumbai’s humidity, mould parties are common in bathrooms, kitchens, and behind those forgotten storage units.

Avoidance Tips:

• Use exhaust fans in bathrooms.

• Clean mouldy surfaces with diluted bleach.

• Fix leaks ASAP.

Real talk:
A Goregaon flat had mysterious black patches in the AC duct. The whole family had the “monsoon sniffles” until they cleaned it out. Moral of the story? What you can’t see can hurt your nose.

5. Pollution & Vehicular Fumes

Between the flyovers, metro construction, and bumper-to-bumper traffic, our noses take in a lot more than oxygen!

Avoidance Tips:

• Use N95 masks when traveling (bonus: it blocks both pollution and allergens).

• Avoid peak traffic walks (your lungs will thank you too).

• Keep indoor air purifiers if you live near busy roads.

Antihistamines & nasal sprays can work wonders—but consult your ENT before starting anything!

Final Tip from Your Friendly Neighbourhood ENT Doc:

• Saline nasal rinses can help clean out allergens from your nose.

• Antihistamines and nasal sprays can work wonders — but consult your ENT before starting anything!

Don’t suffer in silence (or sniffles). Come say hello at my clinic in Malad or Goregaon — we’ll find what’s bugging your nose and kick it out!

Remember:
Mumbai has its quirks — monsoon magic, cutting chai, and a few allergens. But with the right steps, you can enjoy the city without sneezing through it.

Till then, stay snot-free and fabulous! 😉

— Dr. Bhagyashree Jaipuria
ENT Surgeon | Malad & Goregaon East