I'm experiencing this really frustrating issue where my skin starts itching about 45 days after I eat things like tur dal or chana dal. It's not just itching eitherthere's noticeable swelling, and it's super irritating. I've been taking cetirizine tablets to help with the itching, but they leave me feeling dizzy afterwards. Is there anything else I can do to manage these symptoms, or should I be avoiding certain foods altogether? I'm just not sure what steps to take next.

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Dr Dhankecha Dineshbhai

General Practitioner

MBBS
6+ Yrs

Consult Now

Here's a step-by-step approach to help you manage this issue:

Identifying the Cause

Food allergy or intolerance: It's possible that you have a food allergy or intolerance to certain legumes like tur dal and chana dal.

Histamine release: Cetrizine helps alleviate itching, but the dizziness side effect suggests that histamine release might be a contributing factor.

Dietary Changes

Elimination diet: Try removing tur dal, chana dal, and other potential allergenic foods from your diet for 2-3 weeks to see if symptoms improve.

Food diary: Keep a food diary to track which foods trigger itching and swelling.

Answered 04/07/2025

More Allergist and Clinical Immunologist Health Queries

View all

I'm a software engineer and I work in an air-conditioned office. I've been sneezing at least 23 times a day lately, and it's always in bursts of 12 sneezes. This is all pretty new to me, and I'm guessing it might have started since I joined the IT industry. What could be causing this sudden change, and how can I find some relief?

It sounds like your sneezing could be related to allergies triggered by indoor air quality, such as dust, air conditioning, or dry air commonly found in office environments. Using a humidifier, ensuring regular cleaning of the office, and considering antihistamines might help reduce the sneezing. If it persists, a consultation with an allergist could be beneficial.

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

I've been taking Montek LC tablets every day for the past 5-6 years. I'm starting to wonder if there might be any long-term side effects from using these. Could it be harmful?

Taking Montelukast (Montek LC) for long periods can sometimes lead to mild side effects like headaches, dizziness, or gastrointestinal issues. In rare cases, prolonged use may cause mood changes or behavioral effects, so it's important to discuss ongoing use with your doctor to ensure it's still the best option for you.

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors