It darkens the skies and dirties our cars. So, we can be sure that we will notice when the Saharan dust is covering our area. This is especially true if we suffer from allergies. What is the Saharan dust and how can we prevent it from bringing us health complications?
The natural phenomenon we know as “the Saharan dust” is a giant dust cloud that, as its name suggests, originates from the desert region of Northeast Africa. Once it is accumulated in the desert, the cloud crosses the entire Atlantic Ocean until it reaches the Caribbean. This usually occurs several times a year.
As Saharan dust clouds pass through the area, they can definitely increase the symptoms of allergy sufferers. The small dust particles they carry can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, especially for allergy and asthma patients.
If you suffer from allergies, there are many precautions you can take to keep your symptoms from worsening because of incoming Saharan dust clouds.
- Be sure to check the weather reports and verify the air quality index (air quality information). There are several apps that let you know of this index value. If you notice that the air quality is poor, try to stay indoors and with your air conditioning on as much as possible.
- Wear a mask outside to reduce the inhalation of particles through your nose or mouth. Moreover, in times of COVID-19, its use is crucial to help prevent becoming infected with the virus.
- Continue with your medication regimen to keep your allergies under control.
- Maintain calm. Remember, stress can further complicate your symptoms.
Consult your doctor if you have any questions about your allergies and the effect the environment can have on them.
Remember that at Salus Clinics we have pneumologists and other specialists ready to assist you.
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References:
https://www.webmd.com/allergies/news/20200625/saharan-dust-plume-could-worsen-allergies
