A real-life account of battling allergies in Kolkata from frustrating symptoms to trusted doctors, test costs, and finally, lasting relief from allergic triggers.
It All Started with a Rash and a Trip to the ER
We all have a tendency to overlook small allergies, never realizing that a straightforward rash could develop into a complex medical condition. For years, I thought my skin responses, sneezing attacks, and wheezing were “normal” because I’ve lived in Kolkata my entire life. I had no idea that I needed to see a reputable skin allergy specialist in Kolkata before the constant itching or inexplicable redness got worse. This is my story: how neglect became a struggle and how I was able to get the care I needed.
But one morning during a family puja trip, I woke up with puffy eyes, red blotches on my neck, and tightness in my chest. We rushed to AMRI Hospital in Dhakuria. That ER visit wasn’t just urgent, it was revealing. The doctor suspected an allergy and casually mentioned I might want to get tested. That word—allergy—stuck.
Discovering the Best Hospital for Allergy Treatment in Kolkata
Up until then, I had no idea where to go for allergy-specific care. Turns out, AMRI isn’t just where I landed by accident, it’s also considered one of the best hospitals for allergy treatment in Kolkata. They have a dedicated allergy unit, proper test facilities, and doctors who explain what’s happening.
I learned about testing options like skin prick, patch testing, and IgE panels, all designed to identify what’s triggering your symptoms. The hospital staff guided me through the steps without rushing anything, and for the first time, I felt like I wasn’t overreacting. My body was.
When My Skin Became a Clue
After that ER visit, I kept breaking out in random rashes. I’d try a new face wash or wear a new kurti, and my skin would flare up. It was exhausting and embarrassing. That’s when someone suggested Dr. Anirban Dutta, known as a reliable skin allergy specialist in Kolkata.
I booked an appointment at Belle Vue Clinic, half-expecting to walk out with another generic cream. But Dr. Dutta surprised me. He asked detailed questions, from my laundry routine to what metals my jewellery contained. He suggested a patch test, and sure enough, I turned out to be allergic to a chemical commonly used in detergents.
Respiratory Symptoms? Turns Out, That Was Allergy Too
While the skin issues were finally making sense, I was still struggling with persistent sneezing and breathlessness, especially in the mornings. I thought it was just a lingering cold. A cousin suggested I see Dr. B.K. Roy, a respected allergy specialist doctor in Kolkata, and I’m so glad I listened.
Dr. Roy runs a clinic dedicated to allergic asthma and respiratory conditions. He was patient, thorough, and explained that my symptoms pointed to airborne allergens. He recommended I start desensitization therapy after some basic tests. It felt like the first time someone took my stuffy nose seriously.
What I Spent on Testing and Why It Was Worth It
I know a lot of people hesitate to get allergy testing because of cost. So let me be upfront. If you’re wondering how much an allergy test cost in Kolkata does, here’s what I spent:
- Skin prick test: around ₹1,800
- IgE blood test (for multiple allergens): about ₹2,500
- Patch testing: closer to ₹2,000
It adds up, yes. But after years of spending on lotions, inhalers, and home remedies that didn’t work, getting clarity was worth it.
When My Symptoms Still Didn’t Fully Add Up
Even after seeing two great doctors, I still had weird, inconsistent symptomsgut issues, fatigue, and sensitivity to random foods. That’s when I was referred to Dr. Kaushik Ghosh, who many call the best immunologist in Kolkata.
Dr. Ghosh didn’t jump to conclusions. He listened. A lot. We talked not just about allergies, but about immunity in general. He suspected my reactions were part of a larger immune system imbalance and asked me to track symptoms before prescribing anything. That pause, that patiencewas healing in itself.
The Doctor Who Helped Me Understand My Skin Best
Some of my most stubborn symptoms were still on my skin. Redness, stinging, breakouts from nothing. I went on to see Dr. Arijit Coondoo, and honestly, he’s probably the best skin allergy doctor in Kolkata in terms of expertise and attitude.
He asked about my stress, diet, and even work environment. His approach was more than skin-deep, he made me feel heard and respected. I left his clinic with more than a prescription. I left with perspective.
Which Doctor Is Best for Allergy? Here’s What I Think
People ask me this a lot now: Which doctor is best for allergy? And honestly, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your symptoms.
- If you’re dealing with hives and skin issues, go with someone like Dr. Dutta or Dr. Coondoo.
- If your problem is sinus, chest, or breathing-related, Dr. Roy is your guy.
- For complex, recurring reactions that involve food, fatigue, or the immune system, you’ll want someone like Dr. Ghosh.
The key is to not give up after one visit. Allergy care takes time, testing, and patience.
The Clinic That Pulled It All Together
Eventually, I started long-term care with the team at the Allergy and Asthma Center. They weren’t just knowledgeable, they were coordinated. My skin, breathing, and immune issues were finally being seen as pieces of the same puzzle. The relief I felt wasn’t just physical. It was emotional, too.
Final Words from Someone Who’s Been There
Allergies are invisible battles. You feel them, but nobody else sees the toll they take on your day-to-day life. What helped me was learning that I wasn’t being dramaticand I wasn’t alone.
Kolkata may not be easy on sensitive systems, but help exists. You must ask the right people, at the right time. And once you find the right doctor, everything starts to make sense.
