Medics in Bahrain have recently registered a growing number of cases of fatigue, extreme exhaustion and asthma flare-ups due to the high levels of humidity in the kingdom.
Though the summer season is nearly over, Bahrain, being an island nation, has been experiencing intense humidity, with the Bahrain Meteorological Directorate forecasting a maximum humidity of 85 per cent this week. Additionally, temperatures are expected to go up to 44C, which increases the risk of heat exhaustion and stroke.
“Mostly what I am seeing these days are flare-ups of asthma among patients who are already diagnosed with the condition,” Al Hilal Hospital – Adliya and Segaiya specialist pulmonologist Dr Milta Kuriakose told the GDN. “This is due to the humidity and pollution as well.
“During summer, the air quality index tends to be worse than the winter. Patients have been experiencing asthma symptoms like chest heaviness, cough and wheezing and breathing difficulties,” she added.
Dr Kuriakose
Dr Kuriakose further warned against mould, pollen and dust, which when inhaled can irritate the airways and cause them to narrow. She highlighted that in Bahrain, the PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) levels are high during summer, which again can trigger asthmatic symptoms.
“Highly humid air can make breathing more difficult and traps mould, pollen and dust close to the ground. The patients we are particularly concerned about are those with asthma, allergic rhinitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as their airways are already more sensitive to these environmental triggers,” she explained.
COPD is a long-term lung disease that blocks airflow and makes it hard to breathe.
While conditions like asthma cannot be cured, managing them well under the guidance of a doctor can ensure good respiratory health.
“Patients with asthma have a tendency to skip medicines so I would advise them to continue their maintenance medication without fail. They will have been advised a plan – what to do when there is an exacerbation – so please follow that as well.
“Secondly, stay indoors in an air-conditioned environment as much as possible because air conditioners reduce the humidity. Regular cleaning and maintenance of filters, ducts and vents to avoid inhalation of mouldy air and pollutants indoors is also important. And, the most important thing is to have adequate hydration because that will help in clearing the mucus,” she said.
While it is impossible to eliminate sun exposure entirely, it is advisable to stay at home during peak temperatures and high humidity conditions, which can also cause fatigue and extreme exhaustion during the summer, as observed by King Hamad American Mission Hospital family and lifestyle medicine consultant, Dr Fatema Habbash.
“A high number of patients have been coming to me with the complaint of fatigue and extreme exhaustion, especially those who exercise outdoors or have jobs that mandate them to spend more time in the sun,” she said, adding that a common pattern among them is a low intake of water and other fluids.
Dr Habbash
Dr Habbash cautioned that dehydration can also happen indoors, which makes water intake crucial.
“Humidity affects the evaporation of sweat, which helps the body cool down. So, the body will be in a state of heat and the person will experience something similar to heat exhaustion with symptoms including headache, dizziness and nausea. Luckily, most of the cases we are seeing are not serious,” the expert assured.
Sweating makes you lose essential minerals and electrolytes, which is actually quite risky, especially in summer, and drinking just water is not enough. Electrolytes and minerals like sodium and chloride maintain fluid balance, nerve function and muscle contractions.
Dr Habbash also alerted sudden changes of weather, which is common in Bahrain, with people weaving in and out of air-conditioned spaces and extremely hot and humid environments. “These sudden changes can trigger asthma symptoms,” she warned.
Further elaborating on the issues faced during summer, the medical expert highlighted that epistaxis or nose bleeds is a possibility, especially among school-age children, who play outdoors.
“Humidity and hot weather also affects our skin. Nasal bleeding is usually related to the dryness of the lining of the nose and the mucous membrane inside the nose.
Any kind of dryness may trigger micro bleeding. Additionally, people with skin issues such as psoriasis might also be affected by this kind of weather,” she said, reiterating the importance of hydration and avoiding direct sun exposure during peak hours.
Heat exhaustion symptoms to watch out for:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- General body weakness
- Fatigue
Other issues caused by extreme heat and humidity:
- Epistaxis or nasal bleeding
- Aggravation of existing skin issues like psoriasis
- Triggering of asthma
Diet and lifestyle tips:
- Stay indoors especially during peak sunny hours and high humidity conditions
- Exercise caution while exercising outdoors and wear breathable fabrics
- Hydrate with water, fluids and electrolytes as needed
- Carry a reusable bottle or reminders to hydrate
- Eat fruits and vegetables with high water content
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