Don't take allergy symptoms lightly, warns DHA

The Dubai Health Authority's smart clinic is urging residents to identify and manage their allergies.
According to recent studies, one in five people in the UAE suffer from allergic rhinitis. Latifa Hospital's paediatric pulmonology department sees more than 1,000 children per year for allergy and non-allergy related asthma cases, and Dubai Hospital's allergy and immunology department treats about 800 allergy cases a year.
According to data collected by local facilities, the top three types of allergies are rhinitis, urticarial (which has mosquito-bite like symptoms) and food allergies.
Dr Hussain Ali Hattawi, head of the allergy and immunology unit at Dubai Hospital, said allergies are common because of environmental factors such as dust mites, pets, grasses or tree pollens. Additionally, many people are genetically predisposed to them.
"The most common problem we find is that people are unaware that they have allergies and continue to take other medications instead of actually addressing the real problem," Dr Hattawi said. "This often leads to deterioration of the condition. This is a common scenario in patients with allergic rhinitis because the symptoms include a runny or blocked nose and frequent sneezing. Allergic conjunctivitis can also cause redness, itching and watery eyes.
"Yet, often patients assume this is due to a flu and common cold and continue taking over-the-counter medications," he added. "The thumb rule should be that if the cold continues for more than six weeks and is a frequent occurrence, the patient should visit an allergist."
Dr. Fatma Al Jassim, consultant paediatric pulmonologist at Latifa Hospital, noted residents should be attentive to allergies in their children.
"Parents need to be very alert, particularly if they find exposure to a particular allergen has caused a reaction. An allergic reaction should not be taken lightly because allergies can have mild to extreme reactions," she said.
According to Al Jassim, symptoms could include difficulty in breathing, persistent colds, redness and rashes, mosquito bite like symptoms, pain and bloating in the stomach, diarrhea and vomiting.
"Nowadays, simple tests can help detect the cause of the allergy. Since children do not like blood tests, a simple skin prick test can help identify allergens," she added. "In adults, a blood test can identify the source of the allergen and if that does not work, a skin test is the next option. Learning what triggers allergies and understanding how to treat them are the first steps toward controlling allergy."
Other treatment options include identifying and avoiding or minimising exposure to allergens and irritants through environmental control. When that isn't possible, medication can be given to control symptoms.
Jassim added that food allergies are particularly important to watch out for, noting that the top food allergies in adults are nuts, shellfish and grains, and for children include milk and eggs as well.
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"People will feel or suspect an allergy to the food item because of the reaction they experience when they consume it," said Dr Hattawi. "This should never be ignored and they should seek an allergist's assistance.
DHA's allergy clinic located in Dubai Hospital is open every Tuesday from 3pm to 9pm. Walk-in patients are required to bring a passport and visa information to register.