Dust Allergy in the UAE: Relief for Nose and Eyes

A dust allergy in the UAE usually shows up as sneezing, a runny or blocked nose and itchy, watery eyes on dusty or sandstorm days, or after time in a dusty room with the AC running. You can often ease it by cutting down the dust you breathe in, rinsing your nose with a saline nasal spray, and using an over-the-counter antihistamine or eye drops when you need them.

Here is what sets symptoms off, how to tell an allergy from a cold, and when to get help.

Dust allergy in the UAE: what triggers it

Some people are allergic to something in dust. Their body releases histamine, which causes sneezing, itching and a runny nose. For others, dust simply irritates the nose and eyes. Both can feel much the same.

Outdoor dust and sandstorms

On windy days and during sandstorms, the air carries fine dust and sand that gets into the nose, throat and eyes. People often call this a sandstorm allergy, even when it is partly irritation. Dusty air can also make breathing harder for people with asthma.

Indoor dust and dust mites

Indoors, a common cause is the house dust mite. These tiny creatures live in mattresses, pillows, carpets and soft toys. Symptoms are often worse at night or first thing in the morning, and can carry on all year.

Air conditioning

AC does not cause allergies, but units with dirty filters can blow dust back into the room. Cool, dry air from the AC can also dry out the nose and eyes, so they feel more irritated.

Allergy or a cold? How to tell the difference

• Itching: itchy eyes, nose or throat point more towards an allergy.
• Timing: allergy symptoms start soon after contact with dust and last as long as you are exposed. A cold builds over a day or two and usually gets better on its own within a week or two.
• Mucus: an allergy usually causes a clear, watery runny nose. With a cold, mucus may become thicker.
• Fever and aches: a cold can come with a sore throat, a raised temperature or aches. An allergy does not cause a fever.
• Pattern: if symptoms return every dusty day, or every morning in the same room, an allergy is more likely.

Reducing exposure to dust at home and outside

• Keep windows and doors closed on dusty or sandstorm days, and stay indoors when you can.
• Wear a well-fitting face mask if you go out in dusty weather, and wraparound sunglasses to help shield your eyes.
• Change your clothes and wash your face when you come in. Washing your hair before bed helps keep dust off your pillow.
• Clean or change AC filters regularly, following the maker's instructions.
• Wash bedding every week in hot water, as hot as the fabric label allows. Allergy-proof mattress and pillow covers can help with dust mites.
• Dust with a damp cloth, as a dry duster spreads dust into the air, and vacuum often, ideally with a HEPA filter.

Rinsing the nose with a saline nasal spray

A saline nasal spray uses salt water, often sea water, to rinse the inside of the nose. It can wash away dust, loosen mucus and moisten a nose dried out by the AC. Saline contains no medicine, so it can be used often, following the directions on the pack. Blow your nose gently first, keep the nozzle clean and do not share your spray.

Antihistamine tablets and syrups

An antihistamine for dust allergy works by blocking histamine. Over-the-counter antihistamines such as loratadine and cetirizine are used for relief of allergy symptoms, including sneezing, a runny or itchy nose and itchy, watery eyes.

They are less likely to make you sleepy than older antihistamines, but some people still feel drowsy. If this happens to you, do not drive or use machines, and avoid alcohol. Take only the dose on the pack, and do not take two antihistamines together unless a doctor or pharmacist advises it. Read the leaflet before use.

Itchy, red or gritty eyes: allergy eye drops and lubricating drops

• Lubricating eye drops moisten the surface of the eye and can ease dryness and the feeling that something is in your eye, which is handy after dusty days or long hours in AC.
• Antihistamine eye drops are one type of allergy eye drop, used for relief of itchy, watery and red eyes caused by an allergy (allergic conjunctivitis). Read the leaflet before use.

Try not to rub your eyes, as this can make itching worse and may scratch the eye if there is sand in it. Rinsing with clean water or resting a cool, damp cloth over closed eyes can feel soothing. If you wear contact lenses, check the leaflet before using any drops.

Products that can help with dust allergy symptoms

Browse our over-the-counter range and eye care range, or ask our pharmacist to help you choose.

• Isomar Daily Hygiene Spray 100ml: an isotonic sea water spray for everyday cleansing of the nose, with a second nozzle for the ears. Useful if you spend time in dusty places. Read the leaflet before use.
• Claritine 10 mg Tablets (30 tablets): loratadine, a once-a-day antihistamine that is non-drowsy for most people, for relief of allergy symptoms from indoor and outdoor allergens. Check the pack for the age it suits. Read the leaflet before use.
• Artiz Cetirizine 10 mg Tablets (10 tablets): cetirizine, an antihistamine for relief of nose, eye and skin allergy symptoms. It may cause drowsiness in some people. Read the leaflet before use.
• Claritine Syrup 100ml: loratadine syrup for children aged 2 years and over, for relief of hay fever symptoms. The dose depends on your child's age and weight. Read the leaflet before use.
• Livostin Eye Drops 4ml: antihistamine eye drops containing levocabastine, for relief of itchy, watery or red eyes caused by eye allergies. Read the leaflet before use.
• Hyfresh Eye Drops 10ml: lubricating drops that help moisten dry eyes and ease burning, itching and a gritty feeling. Read the leaflet before use.

Children and allergies

Children react to dust too. Always use products made for your child's age: many adult tablets are not suitable for younger children, and children's syrups usually come with a measuring device so you can give the right amount. Check the age on the pack and never guess a dose. For babies and toddlers, speak to a doctor or our pharmacist before using any allergy medicine.

When to see a doctor or ask our pharmacist

Get urgent medical help, or call 998 for an ambulance, if you or your child has wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath.

See your doctor if:

• you have asthma and it gets worse on dusty days, or you need your reliever inhaler more often than usual
• your symptoms are not controlled by pharmacy products, or they affect your sleep, work or school
• you have a painful eye, changes in your vision, sensitivity to light or a very red eye
• something feels stuck in your eye and rinsing does not clear it
• you have a high temperature, pain in your face or thick, coloured mucus that does not get better

Ask our pharmacist before buying an allergy medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take other medicines, have a long-term health condition, or are buying for a young child.

Frequently asked questions

Can a sandstorm cause symptoms even if I am not allergic?

Yes. Fine dust and sand can irritate anyone's nose, throat and eyes. People with allergies or asthma may notice stronger symptoms.

Can I use a saline nasal spray with antihistamine tablets?

Saline contains no medicine, so it is generally fine to use alongside an antihistamine. Ask our pharmacist if you are not sure.

What is the difference between allergy eye drops and lubricating eye drops?

Antihistamine allergy eye drops contain a medicine for itchy, watery eyes caused by an allergy. Lubricating drops contain no antihistamine and simply moisten dry or gritty eyes.

How often should I clean my AC filters?

Follow the maker's instructions. If dust bothers you, cleaning them more often during dusty months may help.

This article is general information, not medical advice. For advice about your own health, speak to your doctor or ask our pharmacist at Bait Al Dawaa Pharmacy.