Otitis media and mastoiditis are very common in Arab population. This is because enlarged tonsils and adenoids result in frequent attacks of cold and infection leading to perforation of tympanic membrane which in turn leads to otitis media and mastoiditis. Usually no organic cause is detected. This results in chronic cough. According to these doctors, excessive use of voice, recurrent pharyngitis and allergy to some food products may be some of the factors responsible.
Allergic rhinitis is extremely common in all Arab countries, surprisingly more common in Bahrain.
In the mild form, it presents as watering of nose and frequent sneezing. Repeated infections and allergy have probably some role to play. Also it is possible that because of extremes of climate, dry weather, dust and sand, the nasal mucosa has to work more. Epistaxis is relatively more common in Arab population. Apart from the hot climate, dryness of the air and more exposure to dust, the habit of frequently rubbing the nose and putting the fingers in the nose is possibly responsible for the symptom.