Learning how to cope up with Asthma and keeping it under control can be very beneficial for Asthmatics and can also improve their quality of life. Asthma attacks are not common in the GCC, but they can be very dangerous and severe for those that suffer from this syndrome.

Especially now, it is critical time for all Asthmatics as the weather changes and sandstorms are the norm for the next month or so. Either ways, the GCC is quite prone to a high rate of sandstorms. Such environmental conditions trigger the asthma symptoms much severely in Asthmatics.

A research that had had been conducted earlier also mentioned the adverse health conditions that sandstorms can have on the human respiratory system in a matter of just 15 minutes of exposure. When exposed to sandstorms in this small amount of time, a greater potential of asthma is to arise as smaller-sized dust particles from the sand storm gets inhaled by the recipient and triggers the hazardous health condition. The treatment for asthma is available, but it is a long term treatment and often takes multiple visits to the hospital. However, asthma can be controlled tremendously if precaution is taken to reduce the severity of the symptoms.

Regional Medical Director at Mundipharma (www.Mundipharma.ae), Mohamed Samir,  shares with us six health and safety tips to survive this sandstorm season:

1.   Stay Indoors

Stay indoors as much as possible during sandstorms and keep windows and doors closed. Reduce exposure to common allergens during the sandstorms that may provoke asthmatic attacks.

2.  Check weather and pollution forecasts

It is recommended that Asthmatics regularly check daily weather and air quality reports, especially during the sandstorm season. Tuning in to your local weather station can help you plan ahead and manage daily activities.

3.  Clean air conditioner vents

Living in a hot climate country means we are indoors more often and use air-conditioning regularly. Dust collection in air conditioning vents can be a harmful trigger if not cleaned and checked regularly.  Air conditioning units need to regularly maintained and cleaned every six months to avoid accumulation of dust in ducts and vents.

4.  Use an air-purifier

Sandstorms affect allergy and asthma sufferers the most.  An air purifier can help reduce indoor pollution and help you breathe better. Although air purifiers are by no means a cure for asthma, they help to remove the allergens and particles which can trigger symptoms by directing air through a filter. If you are asthmatic, an air purifier can help you breathe more easily by improving indoor air quality.

5.  Consider wearing a face mask if your outdoors

Consider wearing a medical face mask or use a wet towel during sandstorms to prevent inhaling the dust particles.  Do not forget to regularly change face masks.

6.  Stay hydrated

Fluids, especially water are just as important during sandstorms. Remember to keep hydrated or even spray water on face and eyes if you come in direct contact with dust.