Pollen Allergy (Hay Fever)

Symptoms

How It's Diagnosed

• Skin prick test to regional pollen panel (grass, birch, olive, cypress, mugwort, ragweed)
• Specific IgE blood test for local pollens
• Nasal provocation test in specialist settings
• Correlation with symptom diary and local pollen calendar

Avoidance Strategies

• Check local pollen forecasts and limit outdoor activity on high-count days
• Keep windows closed during peak pollen hours (5–10 am, windy days)
• Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors
• Shower and change clothes after outdoor activity to remove pollen
• Drive with windows closed; use pollen-filter car air conditioning
• Avoid drying laundry outside on high-count days

Pollen seasons in the Middle East

In the UAE and Gulf region, pollen seasons differ from temperate climates. Date palms (February–April), grasses (March–May), and desert weeds (autumn) are the main allergen sources. Olive and cypress pollen affects patients in hillier areas of the Gulf and wider MENA region.

Many Gulf patients experience perennial rhinitis from indoor allergens rather than seasonal spikes — a useful point when evaluating symptoms that persist through summer.

Pollen-food allergy syndrome

Birch pollen-sensitised patients often develop oral itching when eating raw fruits and vegetables — apple, cherry, peach, carrot, celery, kiwi. This 'oral allergy syndrome' is caused by cross-reactive plant proteins (PR-10). Cooked versions of the same foods are usually tolerated because heat denatures the proteins.

This is distinct from a primary food allergy and rarely causes systemic reactions.