Breathe freely again just like our patients who left respiratory allergies behind at Liv Hospital
Respiratory
Expertise
Experience advanced diagnostics and personalized care at Liv Hospital Dubai’s Respiratory Allergy unit. Our specialists use innovative methods to reduce symptoms, improve breathing, and enhance overall health effectively and safely. This service reflects not only treatment, but also the expertise, dedication, and precision that support every patient’s journey.
What are respiratory allergies?
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Conditions where the immune system overreacts to airborne triggers such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold, or irritants.
They commonly present as allergic rhinitis (hay fever), allergic asthma, or both—often called “united airway disease.”
Typical symptoms
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Sneezing, itchy/runny or blocked nose, itchy/watery eyes, cough, wheeze, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
Symptoms may worsen at night, in the morning, with dust exposure, during sandstorms, or certain seasons.
How are respiratory allergies diagnosed?
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We combine history and examination with tests such as spirometry (lung function) and FeNO (airway inflammation).
Allergen identification uses skin prick testing or blood IgE panels; imaging or labs may rule out other conditions if needed.
What triggers should I look for?
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Indoor: dust mites, molds, pets, cockroaches, cleaning sprays, incense/smoke, perfumes. Outdoor: pollens, pollution, dust, humidity shifts.
Viral colds, exercise, and reflux can amplify symptoms. Keeping a trigger diary helps tailor your plan.
First-line treatments
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Intranasal steroids and antihistamines for rhinitis; inhaled corticosteroids (± long-acting bronchodilators) for asthma control.
Saline rinses, leukotriene modifiers, and short-acting relievers for breakthrough symptoms—used as directed by your clinician.
Allergen immunotherapy (AIT)
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A disease-modifying option (subcutaneous or sublingual) that builds tolerance to specific allergens over time.
Best for confirmed sensitizations (e.g., dust mite, pollen) with persistent symptoms despite optimal medications and avoidance.
Biologic therapies—who qualifies?
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For moderate–severe allergic or eosinophilic asthma with frequent exacerbations despite high-dose inhaled therapy.
Options target IgE or interleukins (e.g., IL-5, IL-4/13). Eligibility is based on biomarkers, history, and response to prior treatment.
Environmental control at home
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Use dust-mite covers, hot-wash bedding weekly, vacuum with HEPA, and keep indoor humidity around 40–50%.
Ventilate kitchens, limit fragrances/incense, fix damp areas, and consider air purifiers during high-pollen or dust events.
Inhaler and nasal spray technique
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Correct technique is crucial. For MDIs: shake, exhale, seal lips, press and inhale slowly, hold 10 seconds; use a spacer when advised.
For nasal sprays: look slightly down, aim away from the septum, sniff gently. We teach and re-check technique at every visit.
Side effects and safety
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Inhaled/nasal steroids can cause hoarseness, throat irritation, or minor nosebleeds—rinsing/spacer and correct aiming reduce risk.
Oral steroid bursts are reserved for severe flares due to systemic effects. We aim to minimize their use with optimized control.
Action plan for flare-ups
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A written plan outlines green–yellow–red steps: when to increase controller doses, add relievers, or start rescue meds.
Seek urgent care for severe breathlessness, blue lips, difficulty speaking, or lack of response to reliever therapy.
Testing to monitor control
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Spirometry trends, FeNO levels, peak-flow diaries, and validated scores (e.g., ACT, RCAT) guide step-up or step-down decisions.
Smart inhaler data and adherence checks help prevent exacerbations and optimize long-term outcomes.
Rhinitis–asthma connection
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Nasal inflammation can worsen lower-airway symptoms. Treating rhinitis often improves asthma control and sleep quality.
We coordinate nasal therapy (sprays/rinses) with inhaled treatment to manage the airway as one system.
Children and respiratory allergies
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Pediatric plans use age-appropriate doses/devices; spacers with masks help younger children. Education for families is key.
School action plans and vaccination review are provided. Many children achieve excellent control with adherence and avoidance.
Pregnancy and treatment
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Well-controlled disease is safest for mother and baby. Many inhaled and intranasal therapies are compatible with pregnancy.
We coordinate with obstetrics, minimize systemic steroids, and adapt plans across trimesters and postpartum.
Lifestyle steps that help
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Maintain healthy weight, exercise regularly, manage reflux, and prioritize sleep. Avoid smoking/vaping and secondhand smoke.
During high-pollen or dusty days, keep windows closed, shower after outdoor exposure, and use saline rinses to clear nasal allergens.
Travel & workplace tips
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Carry controllers/relievers in hand luggage; pack spacers and written action plans. Keep medications on schedule across time zones.
At work, minimize exposure to irritants; use masks/ventilation when needed. Seek early review if symptoms increase on duty or travel.
When to review or step therapy
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Step up after frequent symptoms, night wakings, reliever overuse, or low lung function—after checking technique and adherence.
After 3–6 months of good control, we step down to the lowest effective dose and schedule follow-up to maintain stability.
Dr. Fabrizio Facchini
Consultant - PulmonologyWith over 15 years of international experience, this pulmonologist specializes in asthma, allergies, and sleep apnea. He is trained in advanced respiratory diagnostics, allergy testing, and comprehensive sleep studies. As a clinical leader, he has directed tertiary respiratory clinics and developed patient-focused care protocols. Skilled in bronchoscopy and multidisciplinary management, he combines precision medicine with compassionate care to improve breathing and sleep quality.
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