Mumbai’s air is a cocktail of humidity, pollen, dust and industrial pollutants—a perfect storm for respiratory allergies. To address this, I visited Dr. Parthiv Shah, a pulmonologist reputed for leading allergy testing in Mumbai. Over a few hours in his clinic, I observed his setup, had in-depth discussions on allergy diagnostics, compared his methods with peers in India and abroad, and probed costs, precautions, and realistic expectations. The following is a journalistic account, aimed at anyone seeking clarity on allergy testing in this city.
Dr. Parthiv Shah is a chest physician (pulmonologist) with specialized training in respiratory medicine and immunology. He holds an MBBS and MD (Pulmonary Medicine) from recognized Indian medical universities, and has completed hands-on training in allergy, immunotherapy, and bronchial challenge tests. Over 12 years of practice, he has evaluated hundreds of allergy and asthma patients in Mumbai and western India.
His clinic, Sparsh Super Speciality Lung Clinic, located in Andheri East, is designed for comfort and clinical rigor. The reception opens into a waiting lounge with purifiers and filtered air. Consultation rooms connect to diagnostic rooms that house spirometry machines, skin prick test stations, and allergen extract panels. In the back, a small lab processes immunoglobulin E (IgE) panels and specific allergen assays. The clinic employs strict hygiene: gloves, disposable lancets, and separate zones for “clean” and “used” trays.
During my visit, Dr. Shah walked me through his skin prick test setup: rows of allergen vials, distilled diluents, controls (histamine, saline), and a charting system where wheal sizes are measured at 15 and 20 minutes. He also offers patch testing, inhalational challenge tests, and serum specific IgE tests for those who cannot undergo skin testing. His approach emphasizes combining clinical history, test data, and environmental assessment.
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Another name is Dr. Rajeev Mallipudi, known for allergology and skin-prick based respiratory allergy diagnosis.
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