While Saharan dust is positive to the environment, it has a negative impact on human health, affecting the eyes and respiratory tract.
Epidemiologist Carlos Manuel Féliz Cuello and pneumologist Jhan González of Cedimat in Santo Domingo, and Evangelina Soler recommend the use of face masks and drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated in the higher temperatures the phenomenon brings as the dust clouds cover the Caribbean, as reported in Hoy.
Dr. Féliz Cuello says coughing and sneezing are frequent these days, especially in children and older adults in vulnerable conditions. He said children with asthma and those with allergies and other respiratory issues will see their problems worsen. The tiny particles of Saharan dust decrease the quality of oxygen and cause irritation in the throat and eyes.
Hoy explains that according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the danger generated by the annual recurrence phenomenon lies in the content of bacteria, viruses, spores, iron, mercury and pesticides in the dust, which in susceptible individuals or those with an underlying disease, can worsen their health conditions.
Both physicians Gonzalez and Soler say the particles that reach the bronchus can cause bronchospasms. Bronchospasms occur when the internal mucosa of the bronchi becomes inflamed and the space available for air to enter is reduced. In the case of patients who do not suffer from any respiratory disease, the symptoms that may occur are cough, nasal irritation, conjunctivitis, sore throat, allergies.
The physicians recommend washing eyes with abundant water in case of irritation and wearing glasses to reduce the possibility of the particles ending up in the eyes.
Temperatures of 36 degrees Celsius are forecast due to the passing dense cloud of Saharan Dust.
Read more in Spanish:
Hoy
N Digital
14 July 2022