Samantha Ruth Prabhu Opens Up About Severe Flower Allergy

Samantha Ruth Prabhu has expressed her admiration for flowers while reminiscing about a past incident where they triggered an allergic reaction. Sharing her sentiments on Instagram, Samantha wrote, “Those mixed feelings when you love these pretty things but are scared AF because the last time, they sent you to the emergency room. Like who the hell is allergic to flowers?! Tsk.”

A post shared by Samantha (@samantharuthprabhuoffl)

Following Samantha’s revelation about her flower allergy, The Indian Express sought insights from Dr. Somnath Gupta, a senior consultant physician at Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, to understand the causes of such allergies.

Dr Somnath explained that the primary cause of flower allergies lies in the pollen produced by flowers. Pollen, a fine powder containing male reproductive cells, serves the plant’s reproductive function. The proteins present in pollen act as allergens, triggering an immune system response. He emphasised that these proteins can vary among flower species, leading to diverse allergic reactions.

Dr Somnath also highlighted the symptoms associated with flower allergies. Mild cases may manifest as a runny nose, nasal congestion, watery eyes, sneezing and itching. Severe cases can involve wheezing and breathing difficulties.

To prevent flower allergies, individuals are advised to avoid exposure during peak pollen seasons. Additionally, using air purifiers and maintaining good personal hygiene can be beneficial.

In terms of treatment, Dr. Somnath recommended medications such as antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids for relief from flower allergies. In severe cases, allergen immunotherapy may be considered. Dr Sudhir Kumar, a neurologist at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, suggested bronchodilators and nebulisers for wheezing and in severe instances, a visit to the Emergency Room with the administration of steroid injections may be necessary.

Samantha’s post not only resonated with her followers but also brought attention to the prevalence of flower allergies, shedding light on the causes, symptoms and preventive measures associated with this common issue.