Do you have a cough or a sneeze? Blame change of season

Seasonal changes contribute to the prevalence of respiratory diseases in the Gulf region.

Now that the intense heat waves of the UAE summer have been replaced by comforting heat with chances of rain from time to time, the hospitals and clinics are getting crowded. Changing weather affect the human body, especially those who suffer from respiratory issues.

“The change of season usually witnesses an increase in problems among those who suffer from respiratory ailment,” says Hossam Eid, member of the Emirates Respiratory Society and cardiothoracic surgeon at Dubai Health Authority.

According to Hossam, this increase is twofold. “Chronic respiratory patients easily get a relapse or exaggeration of their condition when the weather changes.

“But there are also a lot of new germs in the air, which lead to sore throat; this can become a viral infection, which in turn can become a bacterial infection. In the worst case, a bacterial infection can become pneumonia. People with a low immune system can die from pneumonia.”

Hossam emphasizes the role that the weather plays on the prevalence of respiratory diseases in the Gulf region, and on chronic respiratory diseases in particular.

“Humidity, the heat and the dust are elements that influence the prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases. The heat and humidity has an effect on the respiratory system.

“On top of that we live in a desert, and there is a lot of dust swindles around. Sand has a lot of dust in it.”

According to SHARP Middle East, GCC residents breathe over 11,000 liters of unfiltered air every day due to the harsh weather conditions and sandstorms that keep frequenting the region.

“Air in this region is loaded with various types of dust, bacteria, viruses, pollen, mould, spores and microbes. These factors force the residents to spend most of their time indoors. Health experts show an increased number of breathing problems due to spending 90% of the day with poor indoor air quality,” it said recently in a press release promoting a healthier indoor air quality by presenting a newly developed air purifier.

According to the Emirates Respiratory Society, the prevalence of chronic respiratory patients in the UAE is one out eight people (or 10-15%). The most prevalent form is bronchial asthma, which is sustained by three aspects characteristic for the Gulf region: the weather, the use of bokhoor or incense and the fact that in some traditional households wood is used to cook food.

“Incense and wood-burning are harmful to people; the scent and smoke irritates the respiratory airways,” explains Hossam.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease comes second (with smoking being the largest contributor to this disease), while tuberculosis is the third most common chronic respiratory disease, says Hossam.

“Although tuberculosis is monitored when people apply for their residency, hidden tuberculosis will not appear during these tests and might flourish later. Especially people with a low immune system are prone to TBC.”

Hossam suggests a prophylaxis approach to respiratory diseases such as seasonal vaccination of asthmatic patients. Furthermore, he advises chronic patients to avoid allergic irritants and if the air is not pure, they should remain indoors.

[Image via Shutterstock]

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