Sahara dust and its effect on your health
ORANJESTAD—The Department of Public Health warns the public that the "Sahara Dust" phenomenon is impacting our area and will continue to do so in the upcoming week.
This phenomenon is nothing new; it repeats itself on more than one occasion a year when the wind transports the dust of the Sahara to our region.
With the arrival of this dust, air quality is affected, and we may experience an increase in complaints related to respiratory diseases since the air consists of much more dust than we are used to.
Those suffering from respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, allergies, or sinusitis may experience increases in their symptoms, such as
- Closed or runny nose;
- Sneezing;
- Puffy or moist eyes;
- Difficulty breathing;
- Coughing;
- Itchy skin, eyes, and nose.
Drinking more water is advised to keep the body hydrated because Sahara dust also increases the temperature. Stay inside if you can and be especially mindful of the effects on infants and the elderly.
The Department of Public Health recommends that anyone with a respiratory condition have their prescriptions on hand and take them as directed by their physician. Avoid outdoor physical activity in the coming days, and if you notice that symptoms worsen, contact your family doctor for a consultation.