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200 experts to attend medical symposia

DUBAI — Over 200 medical experts will meet this week in two separate symposia to discuss the latest developments in tackling two prevalent diseases in the region, allergic rhinitis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Entitled “Paradigms in allergy: changes in the modern world” and “Achieve more in life with rheumatic diseases management”, both symposia will address the issues of disease management. Given that early detection, sound diagnosis and disciplined remedy application will greatly improve a patient’s lifestyle, the main objective becomes to create awareness about the diseases to enable early detection.

Dr Hussain Abdul Rahman, ENT consultant, Dubai Hospital, commented: “Raising awareness about asthma and allergy will greatly assist patients, especially the young, in gaining a better lifestyle. Today, thanks to advances in research and medical application methods, allergy symptoms can be managed on a daily basis without discomfort or any changes in the patient's normal life routine.”

Allergic rhinitis — also called hay fever or nasal allergies — is a collection of symptoms, predominantly in the nose and eyes that occur after exposure to particles of dust, or the pollens of certain seasonal plants. Symptoms typically include sneezing, congestion, a runny nose, and an itchy nose.

Studies show that the prevalence of diagnosed asthma and allergic rhinitis amongst school children in the UAE were 13.6 per cent and 22.9 per cent, respectively. Given that asthma and allergies can greatly affect the way children play, what they eat or how they study, identifying and diagnosing allergic symptoms — which in many cases are very similar to cold or flu symptoms — at an early stage is essential. With guidance from a medical professional, managing and curing the allergies becomes an easier task.

Other international and regional experts speaking at the symposium include: Dr Glenis Scadding, UK, and Dr Torsten Zuberbier, Germany, Dr Osman Yusuf, chief consultant Allergy and Asthma Clinics, Pakistan, Dr Ahmed Hondoussa, ENT consultant, Qatar, Dr Hussein Abdul Dayem, Dr Faheem Tadros and Dr Tamer Adham, UAE.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, progressive disease in which the body’s immune system attacks joints, painful swelling and deformity.

Dr Mustafa Al Izzi, consultant rheumatologist, head of Rheumatology Department, Mafraq Hospital in Abu Dhabi, said: “The incidence of rheumatoid arthritis in the Middle East and Gulf countries is almost equal to the international figure which is about 1 per cent.”

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