Dust storms, particularly common in spring, often lead to inflammation and allergic reactions affecting the sinuses, ears, and eyes.
These storms can cause various symptoms in the respiratory system, including sinus congestion, eye irritation, and inflammation.
Dr. Hadeer Ashraf, a specialist in ear, nose, and throat medicine, offers essential advice for prevention and initial treatment to avoid worsening symptoms.
Dr. Hadeer Ashraf
• Stay indoors during a dust storm to avoid direct exposure to airborne particles. If you must go outside, wear a mask—either medical or fabric—to reduce dust inhalation.
• Cleanse your nose using saline solution. Mix a cup of warm water with a quarter teaspoon of salt and gently inhale to clean the nasal passages, helping remove dust before it enters the respiratory tract.
• Keep windows tightly shut and seal any gaps with damp cloths to prevent dust from entering your home.
Dr. Ashraf explains that common symptoms caused by dust include itching, eye pain, and discomfort behind the eyes. These are signs of mucus buildup in the sinuses and may indicate the onset of sinus inflammation located behind the eyes.
Medical attention is necessary when symptoms go beyond basic first aid. Dr. Ashraf advises seeing a doctor if the mucus changes from clear to yellow or green, or if a headache persists and does not improve with light painkillers containing paracetamol.
She also recommends avoiding foods that may trigger or worsen allergic reactions during dust storms, such as bananas, strawberries, mangoes, and chocolate. These can increase the body's allergic response in combination with dust exposure.
Contribute by Israa Farhan
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