A noticeable drop in temperature is expected this week while clearer skies are forecast. As the country experienced dust storms in the weekend, there are chances of some more dust storms in the current season as well as during summer. While the dust storm impacted visibility, the air quality is also a matter of concern in terms of health. Not only people with asthma need precautions, but it is also essential for diabetics and heart patients to be cautious during a dust storm.
According to Dr Dilip Singhvi, Specialist Internal Medicine, Apollo Hospital Muscat, dust storms may adversely affect health, particularly in people who already have breathing or lung-related problems or allergies.
“Dust particles vary in size from coarse (non-inhalable), to fine (inhalable), to very fine (respirable). Coarse dust particles generally only reach as far as the inside of the nose, mouth or throat. Smaller or fine particles, however, can get much deeper into the sensitive regions of the lungs. These smaller dust particles have a greater potential to cause serious harm to our health. So finer dust particles may cause a serious health hazard.”
However, Dr Singhvi explained that some people with pre-existing lung diseases such as asthma or chronic lung disease like emphysema might experience breathing difficulties. According to him, the most common symptoms experienced during a dust storm are irritation to the eyes and upper airways, sneezing, throat irritation, cough as well as in severe cases, shortness of breath.
“Infants are more at risk than others, including children, adolescents, and elderly with respiratory conditions, such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema, in addition to people with heart disease or individuals with diabetes. In these people, exposure to a dust storm may trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks causing serious breathing-related problems, and this can lead to cardiovascular or heart disease contributing to reduced life span,” pointed out Dr Singhvi.
Prolonged exposure to airborne dust can lead to chronic (long term) breathing and lung problems, and possibly heart disease, and so these are the health precautions to be taken. Dr Singhvi listed out precautions one can take to protect and minimise the adverse effects of a dust storm.
MINIMISING IMPACT
n Avoid outdoor activity. If you must go outside, spend as little time outside as possible.
n Cover your nose and mouth with a mask or damp cloth to reduce exposure to dust particles.
n Avoid strenuous exercise, especially if you have asthma, diabetes or a breathing-related condition.
n Stay indoors, with windows and doors closed.
n Stay in air-conditioned places, if possible.
n If you are asthmatic or have a lung condition and if one develops symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, or chest pain, either take inhalers if on treatment or contact a specialist physician if symptoms do not settle.n Visibility deteriorates very quickly during a dust storm. If you are on the road and have difficulty in driving safely, reduce speed, or park somewhere safe.
n If your car is air-conditioned, reduce the amount of dust entering your car by switching the air intake to ‘recirculate’. This will reduce exposure to dust or sand.
The doctor advised seeking early medical advice if symptoms are not controlled.
Infants are more at risk than others, including children, adolescents, and elderly with respiratory conditions, such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema
Dr Dilip SinghviSpecialist Internal Medicine
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