Abu Dhabi, UAE: Due to the unfavourable weather conditions, Abu Dhabi has been witnessing a significant hike in the cases of asthma and other respiratory illness over the past few days. Doctors indicated that during the dusty weather, various kinds of allergies and respiratory problems emerged and attacked the human body.
The dusty weather and unstable conditions swept through the UAE Capital on Sunday, resulting in a drop in the visibility to less than 500 metres over some areas.
Respiratory Specialist at Burjeel Hospital- Dr Rania Zein Elden, stated that they had witnessed a mild to moderate increase in respiratory symptoms in patients during prolonged sandstorms, which is also known as chronic lung disease.
The medical experts also shared advice on staying safe and avoiding allergies.
“Patients with asthma, bronchiectasis, and chronic obstructive lung disease are affected by coarse dust particles contained in sandstorms. The increase in respiratory symptoms is related to dust exposure,” she said. “The dust storm triggers itchy or burning eyes, throat irritation, coughing or sneezing, headache, and acute asthmatic attack.”
She asserted that she advised her patients to avoid dust and not to come into direct exposure to the dust. She also asked the patients to wear a face mask if it was necessary.
Dr Mohammed Zaqout, Consultant Internal Medicine with Prime Hospital, also stated that people who are suffering from dust allergies are caused by dusty weather.
“Many people don’t know the actual cause of dust allergy,” he said. “Pollens and dust serve as allergic pyrogen to lungs and can exacerbate allergic attacks resulting into serious health issues such as asthma, sneezing, running nose, difficulty in the breathing and they need immediate medical attention.”
He added: “People with serious health issues should avoid such weather and keep themselves safe.”
Dr Faisal Hamza Dalvi, Specialist Internal Medicine at Burjeel Hospital Abu Dhabi, Reem Island, said: “There has been an increase in asthma flareups and chest infections over the past few days.”