iPhone | iPad
Android
Huawei
Stuff that has everyone all agog with excitement
KT APPDOWNLOAD
Sandstorm in UAE: Will it affect your health?
Healthcare specialist highlights that people with breathing problems are more prone to develop severe symptoms
Residents walk in the sandstorm in Sharjah on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. Photo by Shihab
A dust storm has engulfed the UAE for the past couple of days making it difficult for motorists and residents to venture out. The thick orange haze that has blanketed the country reduced visibility, and may trigger health issues.
Medical practitioners advice people to stay indoors during this period, pointing out that dust storms may cause several health issues and adversely affect the respiratory system.
Dr Muhammed Aslam, specialist pulmonologist, International Modern Hospital, Dubai, said that dust storms might trigger allergies like itchy throat, irritable eyes, throat and skin irritation, coughing or sneezing. “Along with the allergic situation, dust storms also make it difficult to breathe, including asthma attacks.
Dr Muhammed Aslam
“Running nose, sneezing, throat discomfort, wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, and itchy eye are the symptoms of inhaling dust particles,” said Dr Aslam.
Dr Ahmed ElMansoury, consultant pulmonology, NMC Royal Hospital, Sharjah, said that the dust and sandstorm carry infection and allergic particles.
“The symptoms occur because of exposure to the dust and other particles like viruses, bacteria and fungus that gets mixed in the dust,” added Dr ElMansoury.
Dr ElMansoury added that the dust storm may have increased symptoms for asthma patients and pneumonia patients.
Dr Ahmed ElMansoury
Advice for people with Asthma
Healthcare specialists highlight that people with asthma are more prone to develop severe symptoms due to dust storms. “They should stay indoors and leave home or workplace only under extreme situations and wear a mask,” said Dr Aslam.
Prevention
Medicos have advised residents to follow these steps during sandstorm to avoid severe reactions.
- Avoid going out; stay indoors
- Use local forecast to learn about dust storms
- Set air conditioner in recycle mode
- Use your regular medication if asthmatic
- Use your anti-allergic medicine
- If exposed to dust storm regularly, symptoms may increase
- Use protective eyewear.
- Use face mask as protection while going outdoor during sandstorm
“Protective gears like masks and eyewear are necessary if one plans to go out during the storm. The best option one can choose N95 mask,” said Dr ElMansoury.
ALSO READ:
More news from
She plays a character who knows who has done the murder, but has to figure out how
Cloudy conditions persisted in the country on Friday, with authorities asking residents to be cautious during the unstable weather
The country stressed the need to support all regional and international efforts to advance the Middle East Peace Process
As unstable weather continues for the third day across the country, here's a guide to the latest updates
UAE: 3kg gold prize, discounts on 2,000 grocery items announced as hypermarket marks Indian festival
Sunjay Sudhir, Indian Ambassador to the UAE, in his address, noted the annual festival is a celebration of bilateral relations
Visitors have been informed that there continues to be no public parking at the venue