Dubai is a favourite destination for families from Surat, for holidays, business and visiting relatives. But for people with dust allergy, allergic rhinitis or asthma, Dubai’s environment brings some special challenges: desert dust, sandstorms, very dry air, and strong air-conditioning indoors. In this video, Dr. Dipak Viradia, Chest Physician & Intensivist, shares precautions to help you travel comfortably.

Why Dubai Can Trigger Dust Allergy

• Desert dust and sandstorms: strong winds can carry fine dust and sand into the air, sometimes for hours or days.
• Desert safaris and dune bashing: these throw up large amounts of sand and dust.
• Very dry air: dries the nose and throat, making them more sensitive.
• Strong air-conditioning: moving between hot outdoors and cold, dry indoor air can trigger sneezing, cough and wheezing. Poorly maintained AC units can also spread dust and mould.

Before You Travel

1. See your doctor before the trip, especially if your allergy or asthma isn’t well controlled. Get your treatment reviewed and adjusted if needed.
2. Carry enough medicine for the whole trip, plus a few extra days: your inhalers, nasal sprays, anti-allergy tablets and any emergency medicines.
3. Carry your doctor’s prescription and keep medicines in their original packaging with labels.
4. Check UAE medicine rules. The UAE has strict rules on certain medicines, including some common cold, cough, pain and sleep medicines. Check the official UAE government guidance before travelling, and carry the required documents.
5. Pack N95 masks, sunglasses or goggles, and a scarf to cover your nose and mouth.
6. Get travel insurance that covers medical treatment.
7. Keep a written list of your diagnosis, medicines and any drug allergies.

While in Dubai

• Check weather and dust alerts daily, and stay indoors with windows closed on dusty or sandstorm days.
• On a desert safari, wear a well-fitting mask and goggles, keep car windows closed during dune bashing, and carry your reliever inhaler. If your asthma is not well controlled, it’s better to skip dune bashing.
• Don’t sit directly under the AC vent. Set the temperature moderate, not very cold.
• Use saline nasal spray to keep your nose moist in the dry air.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated in the heat.
• Keep your inhaler with you at all times, not in your checked luggage or hotel room.
• Continue your regular controller medicines as prescribed, even if you feel well.

In Case of an Emergency

If you have severe breathlessness, difficulty speaking, bluish lips, or swelling of the face or throat, seek emergency help immediately. In the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance or 999 for emergencies.

After You Return

If your symptoms worsened during the trip, or you needed your reliever inhaler more often than usual, see your doctor for a review.

Dr. Dipak Viradia
Chest Physician & Intensivist | Interventional Pulmonologist & ECMO Specialist
Rudrax Chest Clinic, 301, Solaris Royce, Opp. Old RTO, Athwagate, Ring Road, Surat – 395001
Appointment: +91 75676 19985
Website: www.drdipakviradia.com