Cases of respiratory problems up in UAE as sandstorms rage on

Climb aboard a metro these days, and a string of coughs and wheezing welcomes all those who are brave enough to overcome their illnesses to battle the raging desert winds and the changing weather patterns plaguing UAE residents.

As the UAE’s National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) confirmed that hazy weather conditions would continue over the next few days, with wind speeds going up to 70km per hour and resulting in suspension of dust and sand, local doctors are recording an increase by 25 per cent in the number of patients with health concerns as a direct result of this.

Speaking with Emirates 24|7, Dr Rismon Hakkim, a Pulmonologist with Asther Medical Centre, said: “We have seen an increase in the number of patients with respiratory problems and allergies in the past few weeks, especially those suffering from chronic conditions such as asthma.

“I would say that there has been a noted 25 per cent increase in patients as a direct result of the weather changes.”

Dr Hakkim categorised patients in two sets: those who have a history of suffering from allergies, asthma and bronchitis; those who are plagued with respiratory infections.

Asthma is already deemed a growing concern in the UAE, with the World Asthma Foundation (WAF) estimating last year that one in five children in the country suffering from asthma, while a further 40 per cent are prone to Allergic Rhinitis caused mainly by pollen, mould spores and dust mite allergens in the air.

According to a recent research, WAF also estimates that respiratory allergies will increase at the rate of 70 per cent in the MENA region over the next 25 years, with the direct annual cost per capita for asthma and allergies in the MENA region being $500.

Dr Hakkim concurred, saying that the sandstorms are simply prolonging that suffering for those who already have the medical conditions.

“Many of the cases that I have across recently have involved those with bronchial asthma, who haven’t had an attack in a year, but the sandstorms have triggered a spate of them,” he explained.

Meanwhile, respiratory infections, if not treated in time, can even lead up to pneumonia.

Such was the case for Rima Sayyed, who wound up at Medcare Hospital’s emergency centre with acute pneumonia.

“I usually lead a very healthy lifestyle, but last month, a few personal setbacks had me under a lot of stress. It was around that time that my wheezing and fever gripped me,” she recalled. “I put it down to the change in weather and the fact that I work in a closed environment and simply assumed that I had picked up a bug.

“However, when my condition continued to deteriorate over the next few weeks, I finally collapsed and was rushed to Medcare emergency, where I was diagnosed with acute pneumonia, which my doctor explained could have resulted due to the weather change and the dust from the frequent sandstorms. My neglect fuelled it further.”

Prevention is being termed as the best cure, or rather adopting lifestyle changes and measures to ensure a breath of fresh air comes your way during these tumultuous weather patterns.

Dr Hakkim suggested regular salt-water gargling, good nutrition and plenty of rest helps those suffering from allergies.

“I would also recommend people covering their nose and mouth when stepping out and avoid outside exposure if you feel wheezing or an attack coming on,” he added.

Meanwhile, Madhu Nigam, a mother of one, believes in homemade remedies to help her child who suffers with asthma.

“My grandmother would hold a jar of honey under my mother’s nose when she would suffer from an attack, with the belief that it would open up the nasal tract. It used to work miracles for her.

“Also, at night, I give my child a glass of warm milk by stirring in a spoonful of honey, which is said to clear respiratory passages. I don’t seen any harm in that.”

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