Abu Dhabi: Medical professionals are urging residents to don face masks, and rush to the nearest medical facility in case they face breathing difficulties.
While today’s dust storm is most likely to affect those with existing respiratory conditions, other people are also at risk, doctors have said.
“Breathing difficulties can arise as the fine dust in the air accumulates in the lungs and restricts the supply of oxygen to the bloodstream. In such cases, people must rush to the nearest healthcare facility to avoid an acute asthma attack,” Dr Anup Agarwal, specialist pulmonologist at the LLH Hospital in Abu Dhabi’s Mussaffah area, told Gulf News.
Needless to say, people who suffer from asthma and other respiratory illnesses, such as allergic rhinitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, will most feel the effects of the dust storm.
“I have seen a 60 per cent increase compared to normal days in the number of patients reporting breathing difficulties. Many are also suffering from wheezing in the chest,” Dr Agarwal said.
“Patients with respiratory conditions might need nebulisation, and some may require an increased dose of their medications,” he added.
The doctor advised people to wear face masks, which are widely available at pharmacies, and cover their noses from the ambient dust. He also said that residents must try to stay indoors as much as possible. Those who do not have face masks available at home can use clean handkerchiefs to cover their nose and mouth.
“You can also practice steam inhalation to ease any breathing troubles,” Dr Agarwal advised.
