UAE: Surge in allergy cases linked to weather changes, medics say

Doctors explain higher temperatures can lead to increased pollen production by plants which impact many individuals adversely

Medics in the UAE have noted a rise in allergic reactions among residents, witnessing a rise in patient numbers. Doctors in the UAE highlight that in the last week, healthcare centres and clinics in the country have witnessed increased patient footfall due to changes in weather patterns. This includes oscillations between showers and rising temperatures, humidity fluctuations and variations in air quality.

Sharp rise in allergic diseases among children

“Cases related to allergic diseases in children have increased in the past few weeks in the form of redness of the eyes, skin rash, runny nose, and asthma. It is due to the rise of allergens, which provoke allergic reactions,” says Dr Mostafa Maged Hatem, Consultant Pediatrics, Burjeel Farha Hospital, Al Ain.

“Some families seem particularly prone to allergies, and they have a condition known as atopy. People in atopic families can develop problems such as asthma, eczema, and hay fever. It is an inherited problem, and these people are more likely to develop an allergic disorder,” he added.

They point out allergens are the things that people are commonly allergic to, which include milk, eggs, nuts (especially peanuts and Brazil nuts), sesame, shellfish and other seafood, wheat, soya, and some fruits such as citrus and kiwi. Other allergens include house dust mites, animals, especially domestic pets such as cats and dogs, wasps and bee stings, medicines – for example, the antibiotic penicillin, chemicals such as latex and tree and grass pollen.

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