UAE: Dusty weather causing a spike in allergies, respiratory illnesses

As the country faces unsteady weather conditions, Abu Dhabi doctors reported seeing an upsurge in cases of asthma and other respiratory diseases over the past few days. On Sunday, a dust storm swept across the capital of the UAE, reducing visibility in some places to less than 500 meters. Patients known to have chronic lung illness have been experiencing a slight to moderate increase in respiratory symptoms during prolonged sandstorms, according to Dr. Rania Zein Eldien, a respiratory specialist at Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi. "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 added. Eldien emphasizes that during dusty weather, she recommends minimizing outdoor activities to prevent getting direct contact with dust and, if necessary, one must wear face masks. BKM/ Expat Media
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