Asthma in the UAE: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Learn how to deal with Asthma in Dubai from the experts at Medcare

Posted on

19 September 2018

| Last updated on 31 March 2019

Asthma in the UAE: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Asthma is a respiratory disease characterized by chronic airway inflammation in which the airways narrow, well and produce extra mucus.

The classic symptoms of asthma are: wheeze (high-pitched whistling sound, usually upon exhalation), cough (often worse at night) and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

Asthma may develop at any age and it is more common with personal or family history of allergic disease. Asthma attack usually occurs following exposure to triggers such as allergen, humidity, exercise or viral infection... It resolves mainly with trigger avoidance or asthma medication.

The incidence of asthma worldwide is rising with statistics in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) indicating that at least 13% of schoolchildren are asthmatic.

Approximately one in six in the UAE suffers from asthma and the numbers continue to rise. The most frequently identified agents pertinent to the UAE include outdoor and indoor environmental causes.

The conditions for asthma patients in the UAE can significantly worsen during the summer season.

This is due to many causes like for example high humidity, increase of many allergens like dust mites or pollen, sand storms, poorly maintained AC ducts… Not to forget the smokes from cigarettes, shisha or vehicles especially in the crowded urban areas.

Viral infections are also a common trigger for asthma patient, not only in the UAE but all over the world.

Many measures can be taken to prevent this condition especially in the summer season in the UAE. Avoiding allergens is an important measure including avoiding pets if a known allergy is present as well as removing carpets and floor covering from the house if possible.

Staying indoor during sand storms along with wearing face masks can help.

Cleaning the AC ducts well before the beginning of summer is also essential. It is very important also to stay away from strong smells like perfumes and to avoid smoke inhalation either from cigarettes or from any other known source.

The yearly flu vaccine is also essential for influenza prevention. Finally, seeking medical advice can help preventing and treating all cases of asthma.

For more information or to book an appointment, please visit Medcare or press ‘Click to Contact’ to submit your inquiries.