Allergies in Bahrain

There is no prevalence of allergies in Bahrain but its dry climate can possibly cause some expats to develop reactions.

With a population of 1, 439, 273 people in Bahrain, there are bound to be some locals and expats who suffer from allergic reactions. When it comes to allergies, the number one culprit is the grass and weed pollen, especially during the dry months from April to May and September to October. Trees such as date palm, acacia and mesquite, which are common in Bahrain, are frequent causes of allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis and atopic asthma and dermatitis. Expats who have the tendency to develop these reactions should check with their private health insuranceprovider beforehand whether coverage is possible. 

As a general precaution, all expats who are prone to allergies are encouraged to list down specific allergens that cause their symptoms. This is important as the key to avoiding allergies is to avoid exposure to offending allergens.  

With the good number of doctors specializing in allergy, immunology and immunopathology in the country, allergies are a small concern, especially as treatment for these conditions are patient-initiated. There are also pediatricians who specialize in allergies commonly observed in children. And because kids have special needs to protect them from developing symptoms, it is recommended to bring them to doctors specializing in pediatric allergy.  

The costs for treatment will probably be covered by international health insurance,but it will all still depend on the doctor who may or may not recognize the expat's insurer.