The Ministry of Health (MOH) has stressed the importance of closing doors and windows tightly to prevent dust from entering buildings and homes, along with paying more attention to personal hygiene this time of the year in this windy weather.
It also encourages individuals to properly clean homes and buildings from dust, especially bedrooms, covers, and furniture. People are encouraged to wear medical face masks and use wet towels or gauze during sandstorms if they leave their homes, or whenever necessary. Those masks must be replaced regularly, as dust particles irritate the respiratory system, which can cause allergic rhinitis.
Moreover, asthma patients and people with respiratory system problems should refrain from leaving their homes in this weather, unless it is absolutely necessary. They should strictly follow their doctor’s orders and take their asthma medications to avoid asthma attacks. People who have recently had eye or nose surgeries should also avoid going out in such weather conditions.
MOH called on individuals to visit the nearest health center or emergency department in the case of an emergency. Car drivers should close the windows well while driving in dusty weather, and turn on the air conditioning while driving, if necessary, at a suitable temperature.
Due to the weather fluctuations that come with sand and dust storms, asthma patients, specifically, may suffer from severe attacks that could lead to serious complications. These risks could be avoided by following some preventive measures during dust and sand storms as follows:
- Avoid leaving your home as much as possible. If you must, wear a face mask before you leave.
- Keep an eye on the weather forecast supplied by the National Center for Meteorology.
- Close all doors and windows tightly to prevent dust particles from entering your home.
- Make sure you have your emergency asthma inhaler handy. Check its expiration date, and do not forget to take it with you when you leave your home.
- Use a preventive inhaler, according to the treatment plan your doctor prescribed. Talk to your doctor about any necessary modifications that could be made to your treatment plan.
Dust may cause bacterial conjunctivitis. It occurs as a result of the eyes getting exposed to too much dust. Pharmacist Al-Bandari Al-Bishi said that the symptoms of this condition include excessive tearing, redness, and severe itching. While there are many ways to prevent it, washing the face and eyes with cold water remains one of the most effective ways. The other disease that could be caused by these weather conditions is bacterial conjunctivitis. Its most common symptoms include redness of the eyes, purulent drainage, and the eyelids sticking together in the morning. In such cases, it is important to go to a health center to get the proper medications for the condition. In addition, people who have recently had eye surgery are advised wear plastic eye covers during exposure to dust to prevent infections, according to Al-Bishi.