Seasonal Allergies in Qatar: Identifying Common Triggers and Effective Solutions

Seasonal allergies can damper your active lifestyle. When you have plans and a busy schedule, the last thing you want to endure is an unending barrage of allergy-related symptoms that stop you in your tracks.

For people living in Qatar, the lifestyle and surrounding environmental factors can result in a variety of seasonal allergies—but that shouldn’t hold you back. 

If you are looking for tips on allergy management, treatments for skin allergies, home remedies for dust allergies, or other allergy tips for living in Qatar—this blog will serve as a guide on how you can take control of your seasonal allergies.

Common and Seasonal Allergy Triggers in Qatar

Allergies are common around the world, but what is it?

An allergy occurs when your body’s defence mechanism reacts to harmless particles like pollen, animal dander, dust, etc. These particles are known as allergens, and they trigger allergic reactions in people with sensitivity. 

The triggered allergic reaction can vary from mild to severe depending on the person’s sensitivity and reactivity to these substances. 

For example, people with a peanut allergy may experience itching and irritation in mild cases, and the same peanut allergy can cause a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction—known as anaphylaxis.

Here are some of the most common allergy triggers in Qatar.

1. Pollen from desert plants

Desert plants are the main source of pollen allergens in Qatar. Various trees, grasses, and weeds that grow in the region produce pollen that has caused varying degrees of allergic reactions in patients in Qatar. 

Pollen allergens can trigger coughing, asthma, respiratory issues, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, etc.

2. Dust and sand particles

Dust and sand particles can trigger allergic reactions in different ways. 

Dust mites can enter the body and trigger your immune system to produce antibodies. The next time your body encounters dust, it will release histamines that cause allergic reactions to stave off the dust mites.

Larger particles of sand can enter the eyes, nose, and throat, leading to irritation and inflammation. Sand particles also contain dust, viruses, and bacteria—all of which can impact your health in negative ways.

3. Skin irritants

Skin irritants come in many forms. They can be chemical or plant-based and can also be caused by other materials. Skin irritants can trigger an allergic reaction, leading to eczema, contact dermatitis, hives, angioedema, etc. 

Some common skin irritants include:

• Chemical irritants: soaps, detergents, antiseptics, etc.

• Plant-based irritants: poison ivy, poinsettia, etc.

• Other irritants: latex, hair dyes, cement, etc.

4. Industrial emissions and airborne pollutants

Industrial emissions and airborne pollutants can enter the body through the nasal and throat passageways. Once within the body, they can trigger allergic reactions resulting in coughs, asthma, hives, anaphylaxis, etc., depending on the severity of the reaction.

5. Pet and Animal Allergens

This is most commonly caused by dog and cat fur, but it can extend to the dander of any animal with fur. All breeds of animals produce allergens in their saliva, urine, and dander. Animal allergens can cause sneezing, wheezing, asthma, and hay fever.

A Guide to Peak Seasonal Allergies in Qatar

Identifying Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies

As seasons change, the allergens in the air also undergo changes. During drier periods, there are more dust particles in the air than any other particles. During springtime, there are more pollen allergens in Qatar’s air. 

Aside from natural factors, industrial and indoor factors like pollutants and pet dander can trigger allergic reactions, as discussed above. 

You can spot seasonal allergies based on the symptoms your body exhibits. Here are some common seasonal allergy symptoms in Qatar:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose and nasal congestion
• Post-nasal drip
• Watery/itchy eyes
• Coughing or wheezing
• Skin irritations like eczema, hives, etc.
• Puffy eyes and exhaustion due to poor sleep

Managing Seasonal Allergies

Diagnosis of Allergies in Qatar

In order to manage your seasonal allergies, you need to identify which specific allergens you are allergic to. If you have any of the symptoms listed above, especially during certain seasons, it is recommended that you get diagnosed in order to take control of your triggers.

The Skin Prick Test (SPT) is the fastest way to identify your allergies by comparing your reactions to dozens of common triggers. These common triggers include pollen, pet dander, mould, dust, chemicals, etc. 

During SPT, a tiny scratch or prick is made on the skin of the back or forearm. On the pricked area, a small drop of liquid that contains the allergen will be placed on the skin. If red or raised bumps show up on the affected area within 15 minutes—you might be sensitive to that specific allergen.

Doctors may also administer a blood test against the nation’s specified pollen profiles to determine the exact pollen that you are sensitive to.

Managing seasonal allergy symptoms in Qatar after diagnosis

Your seasonal allergies don't have to feel like the end of the world. With proper monitoring and management, you can live your life to the fullest without worrying about being held back by your symptoms. 

There are many ways that you can ensure that your diagnosed allergies stay well within your control. Here are some of the best ways to keep yourself symptom-free during allergy season in Qatar.

1. Avoid the outdoors during peak allergy seasons. There are more allergens in the air at this time, so you should limit your exposure as much as possible.
2. Keep your indoor environment allergy-free. Keep your windows closed, vacuum constantly to clean up dust and pet dander, and take precautions while shopping to avoid any accidental food-related triggers.
3. Try allergen immunotherapy. In this technique, people with allergies are exposed to small quantities of allergen particles. The quantity is increased over time in order to train and change the immune response to the particular allergen.
4. Use a saline nasal rinse. A saline nasal rinse is great for cleaning out your nasal passages. If you suffer from severe congestion, this is an effective method to clear out your sinuses and breathe better. It also keeps your nasal passages moisturisedṣ—this is one of the most effective home remedies for dust allergy.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications for allergies in Qatar

OTC medications are also a godsend during seasonal allergies. There are a variety of OTC medications available on the market that are designed to provide relief from seasonal allergy symptoms. Some of the most popular OTC medications that provide relief from allergy symptoms include:

1. Fludrex: this medication consists of the following active ingredients: paracetamol, caffeine, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, and chlorpheniramine maleate. It’s the perfect medication to deal with sneezing, headaches, sinus congestion, itchy and watery eyes, and runny nose. 

• Warning: Do not take it if you have urinary retention, high blood pressure or if you have severe kidney, heart, or liver problems. Do not give to kids under 12 years of age.
• Dosage: 1 tablet three times a day as recommended by a doctor. 

2. Claritine: used to relieve symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis and hay fever. Claritine can also relieve symptoms of hives and wheals. 

• Warning: Consult your doctor before taking Claritine if you have severe liver problems. 

• Dosage: 10 mg once daily. This is applicable to adults all the way down to children aged 2 and above. Not recommended for children weighing less than 30kg.

3. Zyrtec: used to treat allergy and cold symptoms, including itching, allergy cough, sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, and even hives.

• Warning: Do not use it if you recently used sedatives, tranquillisers, or alcohol. It is not recommended for people with liver or kidney disease.

• Dosage: 5 - 10 mg once a day (for adults) with a maximum dosage of 10 mg. The maximum dosage for children is 5 mg per day.

4. Aerius: Relieves symptoms of hives and allergic rhinitis. It contains an active ingredient called desloratadine. 

• Warning: Not recommended for people with severe liver and kidney issues. It is not recommended for people with a history of seizures. Do not take Aerius if you are pregnant.

• Dosage: Maximum dosage of 1.25 mg once a day for children aged 1 to 5. For children over 11 years of age, the maximum dosage is 2.5 mg once a day. Adults and adolescents can use any type of medication as recommended by their physician.

5. Clarinase: used for relief from symptoms of hay fever, congestion, and stuffiness. 

• Warning: Do not take it if you are breastfeeding. Do not consume Clarinase before driving. If you have liver or kidney disease, you should not consume Clarinase.
• Dosage: Take 1 tablet every 12 hours (for adults and children over 12 years of age). Clarinase is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.

Note: Dosages of these medications can vary based on your symptoms and the severity of your allergic reactions. Consult with your doctor before consumption or usage.

Key Takeaways about Allergies in Qatar

• Allergic triggers in Qatar can be caused by pollen, dust, sand, skin irritants, industrial emissions, pollutants and animal particles.
• The most common symptoms of allergies include hives, rashes, sneezing, respiratory issues, allergic rhinitis, etc. The severity of these symptoms depends on each individual’s sensitivity to these allergens.
• Diagnosis is the most effective way to recognise and avoid allergens that trigger your symptoms.
• You can avoid triggering your allergic reactions by taking proper precautions to deal with seasonal allergies.
• You can also use OTC medications like Fludrex, Claritine, Zyrtec, Aerius, and Clarinase to manage your allergy symptoms in Qatar.
• Consult with your doctor to determine which allergy medicine in Qatar is right for you before you start to take them. It is important to make sure that you are free from any underlying complications.