Sunday, Aug 11, 2013
Dubai: With more and more landscaped green community areas like parks and gardens emerging in the emirate, a senior allergy doctor has highlighted the incidence of a little-known grass allergy.
Though the incidence is low, there is a need for more awareness towards allergies to pollen from grass, said Dr Hussain Al Hattawi, consultant and head of the Allergy Clinic, Immunology Unit at Dubai Hospital, Dubai.
At the Clinic, he sees between five to 10 patients per month suffering from grass allergies.
The concern lies in the fact that most of the cases are not referrals. “These cases come straight from the emergency because a patient complains of a swollen eye or breathing difficulties,” he said.
The estimates of incidence could be much higher because many residents, especially those who have been tested positive for other allergies like dust mite, mould or cat allergies, could be allergic to pollen from grass, he said.
Self medication
“Further, residents tend to self-medicate using over-the-counter nasal steroids and antihistamines. So many cases are not even diagnosed. I have known people who sit/play on grass and after accidently touching their eyes, present severe allergy symptoms. Freshly cut grass can be an allergy trigger as well,” Dr Al Hattawi said.
The symptoms, he explained, from grass allergy include itchy and watery eyes, blocked and runny nose, sneezing, wheezing and sometimes breathing difficulty and headache.
“Those who regularly visit parks and gardens and experience a general ‘unwell’ feeling, should immediately consult a doctor. A test will confirm whether the person is allergic to grass pollen, and can be advised measures to control the allergy like limit exposure to grass pollen and take medication to prevent allergy symptoms,” Dr Al Hattawi said.
Speaking to Gulf News, long-time allergy sufferer Ashraf Abudaha, a Palestinian resident in manufacturing, said he suffered from a blocked nose and watery eyes every time he visited a park.
“I have three kids, so family picnics and barbecues are common. For the past five years, I had similar symptoms, but I would get over-the-counter medication. Only two months ago, I got myself tested for grass allergy,” he said.
By Carolina DSouza Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2013. All rights reserved.
