UAE residents eagerly anticipate the arrival of cooler winter months, but for some, this season brings seasonal ailments such as allergies and infections. One such individual is Nada, a 34-year-old Dubai resident who regularly engages in outdoor activities like running and sports in her yard. However, during winter, she finds it challenging to maintain her exercise routine due to the cold air irritating her nose, causing a runny nose and frequent sneezing post-workout. After consulting a doctor, she discovered she has allergies and was prescribed an antihistamine.
Nada suffers from allergic rhinitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the nasal passages, leading to irritation and increased mucus production. Common symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion. Rhinitis can be triggered by various factors, including allergies, infections, or irritants. In another case, Mohammed, a 35-year-old IT professional with long-standing nasal allergies, was diagnosed with chronic allergic rhinitis. Following a comprehensive examination and skin prick test, he identified a house dust mite allergy. Mohammed experienced relief after implementing allergen avoidance strategies and using nasal corticosteroids. Additionally, oral immunotherapy significantly improved his sleep quality and overall function.
Dr. Unni Krishnan, a specialist ENT at International Modern Hospital in Dubai, noted that some individuals experience sneezing and a runny nose due to sudden temperature changes. He emphasized that occasional symptoms may not necessitate medical intervention unless they become chronic. Untreated rhinitis can lead to complications such as sinusitis, chronic ear infections, poor sleep quality, and decreased focus and productivity.
Dr. Dimitre Christoph, a consultant Otolaryngology (ENT) at Saudi German Hospital Dubai, explained that vasomotor rhinitis, an allergy caused by weather changes, is linked to fluctuations in temperature or humidity. He also mentioned allergic rhinitis, triggered by allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander, and non-allergic rhinitis, caused by irritants such as smoke or pollution. Infectious rhinitis is often associated with viral infections like the common cold. Dr. Christoph advised taking precautions when exercising outdoors in winter, such as dressing in layers, covering the nose and mouth with a scarf, warming up properly, and staying hydrated.
Dr. Afzal Vattai Purath, an ENT specialist at Zulekha Hospital in Dubai, highlighted that treatment for rhinitis varies by type. For allergic rhinitis, long-term antihistamines may be necessary, while decongestants should be used sparingly to avoid rebound congestion. Corticosteroid sprays are effective for both allergic and some non-allergic rhinitis. Avoiding triggers and using saline nasal sprays can help reduce secondary infections and clear nasal secretions. For bacterial infections like sinusitis, antibiotics may be required.
Dr. Purath emphasized the importance of a thorough medical history and physical examination, often supplemented by diagnostic tools such as influenza tests, allergy tests, and imaging studies like CT scans. He also stressed the need to differentiate rhinitis from the flu, noting that while rhinitis primarily affects the nasal passages, the flu impacts the entire body. Dr. Purath cautioned against self-medicating with nasal sprays, warning that prolonged use of decongestant sprays can lead to rebound congestion and rhinitis medicamentosa, a challenging condition to treat.
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