Qatar has been experiencing dusty spells as well as the occasional sand storms. While it’s nothing new to the country, after all, it is in the Middle East. It’s always best to be extra careful in such situations since you can get some nasty predicaments, as well as respiratory ailments.
According to Dr. Warda Al Saad, Senior Consultant in Emergency Medicine in Hamad Medical Center, exposure to such situations can get sinus and respiratory infections. The most prone to such situations include babies, elderly, and youngsters, people who constant suffer from bronchitis and asthmatic patients. Milder side effects include hacking or wheezing coughs and watery eyes.
Here are some ways to avoid diseases, allergies and even accidents when a dust or sandstorm strikes:
Avoid walking on open areas. If you can, avoid walking in open spaces. The more space, the more room the sand and dust particles swirl around. Try walking where there are large building or structures. While there will still be particles, the infrastructure will serve as a wall so you will encounter much less dust and sand.
Cover your nose and mouth with a wet cloth. A handkerchief is a good and simple way to ensure you don’t get to inhale particles during a particularly windy day. But slightly make the front of the handkerchief damp. This allows smaller particles to stick rather than go through the cloth. Pharmacies also sell surgical masks you can use to cover your nose and mouth.
Cover your eyes. While inhaling particles is a concern, don’t forget about your eyes. You can get infections when dust and dirt particles are stuck in your eyes. Sunglasses, especially wrap-around ones can help protect your eyes. Also, avoid wearing contact lenses as particles can get stuck and causes irritation. Once you get an irritation though, don’t rub your eyes. Just rinse it with water.
Don’t forget your meds—and pack some extra. If you are prone to infections, asthma attacks and respiratory infections, don’t forget to carry some meds with you. It’s okay to carry some extra meds for emergencies.
Keep the windows shut. Some drivers like to open their windows when driving in Qatar. Besides the breeze, the country does have clean air. But open windows may not be wise during a dust or sandstorm.
Pull over. If it’s getting more difficult to drive because of visibility problems, its best to pull over. Signal to other drivers, then carefully pullover. If you’re still in the parking area, its best to wait a while. Let the dust or sandstorm subside. It’s better to be late than sorry. Since Qatar is known for experiencing such occurrences, people will understand if you’re a tad out of schedule.
Finally, if you’re not doing anything important, just stay home. Whatever you need to do, you can reschedule it for a time when the weather is all clear.
If by chance, you get into an unfortunate situation of having trouble breathing or other infections, immediately drop by Hamad Medical Center or any medical facility near you. Early treatment can prevent further health trouble.
Sources:
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