shamal season: telling dust allergy from food intolerance
When the shamal blows — typically late spring into early summer — fine dust hangs in the air for days, and a predictable wave of blocked noses, itchy eyes and coughs follows. A surprising number of people respond by ordering a food intolerance panel, because the symptoms are vague and food is the easiest suspect. Most of the time the culprit is environmental: dust mites thriving in year-round air conditioning, mould spores in humid coastal months, and pollen from ghaf, mesquite and date palms that peaks in spring.
If your reactions involve swelling of the lips or throat, hives, vomiting or any breathing difficulty, that is potential true allergy territory and it belongs with an allergist or emergency care, not a home kit. Where home collection shines is the environmental IgE panel during shamal season: a nurse draws one sample at home, the lab screens a broad set of regional triggers, and you and your doctor get an evidence-based answer about whether it is the dust, the mites or genuinely the dairy.