Protect Your Health During Dust Storms: Expert Advice From Dr. Maria Monik Rathna, Aster Clinic

Today is International Dust Storm Day and there couldn't be a more apt day to be celebrated in this region. On this day, we got a chance to speak to Dr. Maria Monik Rathna, General Practitioner from Aster Clinic, Ras Al Khaimah. Here is her expert insight on how to care for yourself during such situations:

Being part of the Middle East Region, we've already been involved in various strategies for the prevention and mitigation of sand and dust storms. Amidst these strategies, education and awareness is where we come as medical professionals to share a few insights to assist in your preparation and to maintain good health.

Sandstorms can cause health concerns due to inhalation of fine sand and dust particles. Primarily, it can affect your airways, eyes or skin. The symptoms related to the respiratory tract can present as cough and throat irritation. Eyes could get watery, itching and at times due to our uncontrollable urge to rub our eyes can aggravate into abrasions on the cornea. On prolonged exposure to the sand, the skin can become dry and irritant especially on the face and hands as they're the most exposed areas.

The vulnerable population includes people with pre-existing conditions such as Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), Congestive Heart failure, Allergic Rhinitis and Eczema. The children, elderly Individuals and pregnant women are also at increased risk of respiratory illness, effects of poor air quality with other comorbid conditions or potential impacts on fetal well-being due to maternal stress from reduced oxygen intake, respectively.

Image Courtesy: Alexander Mils/Unsplash

With all this knowledge, let's prepare like warriors to combat sand and dust storms by taking these precautions:

• Stay informed about weather forecasts and sandstorm warnings in your area.
• Prepare an emergency kit with essential supplies, including face masks, medications (NSAIDS, antihistamines, eye drops, etc.) and other first aid items.
• Be alert and patient while driving through the storm. Follow disciplined driving to avoid road accidents and pull over to a safe location in case of low visibility.
• Respiratory – Use a mask (cloth/face/N95) to cover your nose and mouth if outdoors. Close windows and doors while staying indoors.
• Hydration is always the key. Water is the main ingredient in your body.
• Eyes – Wear protective eyewear such as goggles if at work or sunglasses. If particles irritate, wash with water or saline. Use lubricating eye drops to prevent dryness.
• Skin – Cover exposed skin with clothing to minimise sun exposure and direct contact with sand particles. Use regular face and body moisturisers according to your skin type to avoid skin dryness & irritation
• Monitor pre-existing conditions and exacerbation with health check-ups.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Air purifier – HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters can remove airborne particles as minute as 0.3 microns (dust, bacteria, viruses, pollen). That's 99% efficiency.
• Vitamin C - Protects damage from free radicals; Enhances hydration.
• Vitamin D – Boosts immunity; Strengthens respiratory health.
• Vitamin E – Powerful Antioxidant; Supports healthy skin & mucous membranes.
• Vitamin A – Essential for immune function.
• Zinc – Support Respiratory Epithelium integrity; Defense against infection.
• Omega 3 Fatty Acids – Anti-inflammatory; Improve lung function.
• Use lubricant eye drops.
• Use sunscreen with minimum SPF 30.
• Use face and body moisturiser.