Readers find no end to their respiratory allergies

Dubai: Respiratory allergies are a serious problem for residents in the UAE. Gulf News spoke to readers to find out how severe the reactions are and the impact they have on the quality of their lives.

Nadia Faisal Khan, a Pakistani, said: “I take anti-allergy medicines daily because of the harsh weather conditions in the UAE. Being born and brought up in the UAE, I suffer from bronchitis that is caused by dust from air-conditioners, dust from carpet, and the constant switch between hot and cold weather.

“It’s funny how I didn’t suffer from any allergies when I stayed in Pakistan for five years. But, after I moved back to the UAE, the allergies took over. Even after taking medicines, I don’t get cured. The dry and humid weather makes me sick.” Khan is a manager of a jewellery showroom.

Rakhee Mansukhani, a homemaker, also suffers from a similar allergy and opts for homeopathic cures. She said: “Having homeopathy medicines daily helps me, as sneezing is reduced, my eyes don’t get tired, and I don’t feel too sleepy. The medicines are effective and have no side effects.”

Aisha Yaqub, a Pakistani, said: “I cannot tolerate extreme sunlight as I suffer from severe headaches which, in turn, also affect my breathing.

“I also suffer from asthma. At times, I get palpitations (irregular heartbeats) and find difficulty in breathing. I carry two emergency inhalers with me. I use one on a daily basis, and keep the other one in my handbag if I get an asthma attack.

“I have to get injections if my condition worsens.” Yaqub is a writer and photographer.

Corazon Verola Tarcena is highly allergic, too. She said: “I am suffering for the past six years. I feel itchy around my lips and inside my ears.

“Earlier, I was on medications prescribed by the pharmacy, but without much success. I had to finally get checked at the hospital. I was provided a nasal spray and tablets.

“But the medicine made me feel sleepy and dizzy. I still have no relief from my allergies. My nose itches when I am exposed to sand, perfume, or even an air freshener. I believe the hot and sandy weather is something that will never end, and so, my sneezing.” Tarcena is a Filipino and works as a secretary.

Ali Murtaza Shaikh suffers, too. He said: “I did an allergy medication course back in Pakistan and was relieved from the problem. But, upon my arrival in the UAE [one and a half years ago], I felt my sneezing allergy was back again.

“Currently, I am using tablets and nasal drops twice a day to avoid an itchy nose. But I feel the dusty weather here will never help me with curing this problem.” Shaikh works as a project coordinator.

Sumera Malek added: “My father suffers from constant coughs, cold and flu. He uses home remedies, such as honey and ginger mixture, ginger tea, onion soup, and gargling with salt water.” Malek is a student.

Several Gulf News Facebook users also raised similar respiratory allergy issues.

Noma Al Samarrai posted: “My family suffers from dust allergy. We use filter for air purifiers, and also filters to cover air-conditioner fixtures from outside. We have our house windows taped and we wear a mask whenever we go outside, especially when there’s a sandstorm. We don’t use perfumes.”

Priya Rodrigues wrote: “I am suffering from sneezing, a runny nose and itchy eyes for the past five years. I am taking tablets and nasal drops every day.”

Weather, air conditioning, dust and sand are some of the main culprits in the airborne allergies that many suffer from.

-The writer is a trainee with Gulf News