PEOPLE with respiratory problems have been urged to stay indoors with rising sand expected to continue in Bahrain until tomorrow.
Strong shamal winds created dusty conditions across the country yesterday, with temperatures dropping to a minimum of 16C.
The weather will remain cool today and tomorrow with rising sand in places during the day with winds expected to reach 25 knots at times, according to the meteorological department.
Dusty weather negatively impacts people’s health, especially those suffering from obesity as they are more prone to respiratory illnesses as a result of their weakened immune systems, said Bahrain Health Mates Society chairwoman Dr Kawther Aleid, who is also a public health consultant.
“People with obesity are more prone to respiratory illnesses because of their weakened immune systems and often have respiratory problems such as sleep apnea (a serious disorder in which breathing repeatedly starts and stops), asthma, along with trachea and lung infections unless they take necessary precautionary measures,” she told the GDN.
“During dust storms, the air is saturated with dust particles which everyone is exposed to directly whether by inhaling through the nose and mouth or in direct contact with the eyes.
“The smaller the particles the bigger impact they have as they are able to bypass the natural filters in our respiratory system in the nose and lodge themselves deeply in the internal bronchial tubes while the larger particles are usually suspended in the nasal system.”
The expert said that scientific research has proven that dust particles can carry various bacteria that causes severe respiratory infections and inflammation upon entering the lungs.
She also revealed that, according to statistics, during dust storms there is an influx of patients to hospitals complaining of respiratory illnesses, nasal and eye inflammations, throat and eye irritations mostly among asthmatic patients.
“Exposure to high levels of dust and sandstorms cause bad health impacts on the respiratory system as well as the eyes – so it is urged to limit exposure to dust particles as much as possible,” she cautioned.
Dr Aleid added that adopting a healthy lifestyle such as healthy nutrition, physical exercise, no smoking and getting enough sleep are all ways to strengthen the immunity system against various diseases such as respiratory system illnesses.
“It is important to wash the face on a regular basis as well as clean out the nose and mouth to prevent particles from reaching the lungs while ensuring you remain hydrated.
“It is important to close windows and doors securely while also placing a wet towel to cover small openings in windows.”
She urged patients with allergies to avoid spending time outdoors and continue taking their allergy medicine.
They were also urged to avoid leaving the house unless needed for work or emergencies while wearing a mask, or a wet towel on the mouth and nose if going outside.
reem@gdn.com.bh
&uuid=(email))