FILE PHOTO by Baher Amin © The Peninsula
Doha: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has called on all members of the community to take necessary precautions against the wind and the dusty wave that is expected to sweep the country, causing possible health risks such as sinus and respiratory allergies.
The public is advised to take the following precautions during inclement weather:
• Avoid going outside, especially during high winds or low visibility when the dust levels are particularly harmful.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a mask or damp cloth to reduce inhalation of particles of dust.
• When driving, keep the car windows closed.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes to prevent eye infections.
Senior Consultant in Emergency Medicine at HMC Dr Warda Al Saad, said that the most vulnerable people to respiratory infections are infants, children, the elderly, asthmatic patients and those suffering from chronic bronchitis
Individuals who experience mild symptoms such as watering eyes, cough or wheezing should go to their Primary Health Care Center while those who have severe breathing problem may have a lung infection and should go to the Emergency Department.
People suffering from heart disease, pregnant women and people working outdoors are more likely to be affected by dust, so they should see a doctor immediately. Dr Warda advised individuals suffering from respiratory diseases to use aerosols and bronchodilators immediately when symptoms of asthma, such as persistent coughing, difficulty in breathing, and run to the nearest health center.
Dr Warda pointed out the importance of taking several precautions during the sand storms, like avoiding strolling in open areas, and keep windows and doors closed and work to cover the nose and mouth with a mask or Wet cloth when going out into the air in order to reduce inhalation of dust particles.
It is also recommended to avoid rubbing the eyes to prevent them from infection, especially that eye inflammation is common in the season of sandstorms and therefore wear protective glasses sealed to prevent the entry of dust to the eyes. In case of irritation in the eye it must be washed with water.
Dr Al-Saad stressed that people with severe allergies should start using antihistamines prescribed by their doctor during the season.
