Indian trains and allergies

Hello, I wanted to get a sense of how allergy-sufferers like to travel on Indian trains.

(I'll preface this by saying that while I wish my allergies were a mere inconvenience, I actually have something called chronic eustachian tube dysfunction. Without going into too much detail, it means that if my allergies get out of control I feel quite severe discomfort that usually leads to me not talking at all and wanting to find a place to lie down until things get back to normal... needless to say, not willing to risk this while traveling in India.)

Anyhow, I've traveled thus far by AC chair car and 3 AC. In 3 AC, I did notice a bit of discomfort, which I pinned probably to the bedding provided by the railway containing dust mites etc. I could avoid the bedding by taking Sleeper (which I'd like to do for other reasons, being annoying health problems aside inclined toward 'roughing it' a bit), but I'm a bit worried the train would be very dusty and might overwhelm my poor lil' respiratory system.

What have you guys found less aggravating for allergies - sleeper or 3 AC? I've half considered wearing one of those disposable medical mask things that gardeners or whatever wear during the sleeping part of the journey, but I'm worried that would make me even more of a spectacle. People would probably think I have some horrible disease

Here's to hoping I'm not the only high-maintenance invalid on this forum!

Nick,

I don't have the answer for you. But I'll bump it up to the top of the recent threads in case somebody else can help.

I will say that allergies can make life more difficult, but obviously, you don't let them stop you from seeing the world. Good for you!

I think the only people who have written about travelling in India with allergies have been those with food allergies. If you are writing about problems with dust and mites, we'll hope you tell us all about it when you've finished your visit.

nick, I have some problems with airborne allergens at home in Australia but, with one exception, haven't been troubled on Indian trains.

The bedding supplied in reserved classes, 1AC, 2AC, 3AC, has always been fresh though the blankets may not have been laundered before each use. The bunks themselves have vinyl? covers which are usually free of grime/dust. The compartments are not spotless and the beggar kids who come in to brush the floors sometimes can raise some dust.

Once I was bothered by diesel smoke pollution on the uphill run from Kalka to Shimla. The loco(s) were smoking heavily and the many tunnels trapped the fumes and allowed entry into the carriages through mostly open windows.

I used to see many Japanese tourists wearing facemasks in Delhi streets but the electric Metro trains have allowed the air pollution to fall from grave to moderate.

I would separate between allergies and respiratory problems. Allergies you can handle by carrying over the counter Cleretin 24 hour medication. Respiratory problems are whole another issue. I would carry an oxygen cylinder for those problems.

If it is not too cold I would take sleeper class instead of 3A. 3A is basically sleeper but without open windows making it really stuffy. I always felt like sleeper was airy and nice, and as long as you book early you can get an upper berth and have the privacy to wear your face mask if needed. 2A is definitely nice too if you can afford it.

You didn't mention what triggers your Allergy.

It is unlikely that the bedding is the culprit as all bedding is washed and each passenger gets a fresh set. The coach might have other allergens though. Between the AC and the Sleeper, I would say the AC is less likely to either cause or aggravate an Allergic situation.

Just remembered that agricultural sprays can be a worry. Once travelled in an unreserved carriage with open windows between Gwalior and Agra. Some farmers were spraying something nasty in a field passed by my train. What ever was being sprayed drifted into my compartment and was quite unpleasant.

I had an equivalent experience at home when driving past a field being sprayed. I neglected to block off my car fresh air until too late.

Yes, when you move out af an area where time has contributed to an allergy the relief is tangible. Take me back to Austin & in a short while Cedar Fever would have a tissue stuck up my nose. But, as a migrant to Sodom & Gommorah its ). I guess that helps to balance out the obscenity of a state income tax..