LANI ROSE R DIZON

DOHA DOCTORS in Doha have warned residents, especially people with bronchial allergies to refrain from staying outdoors until the dust storm currently sweeping through the city subsides.

“Parents must make extra efforts to protect children from the dust because the young ones are more prone to getting sick. Outdoor workers also are prone to suffer bronchial allergy attacks due to the dust storms because some of them don’t have proper protective gear,” Dr Vinoo Rajagopal, a paediatrician at Al Rafa Poly Clinic told Qatar Tribune on Saturday.

He said that with the on-going dust storm in Doha, the Poly Clinic has been receiving more cases of allergic bronchitis, cough, cold, throat irritation, fever, as well as eye infection over the past four days.

He also said, “We’re receiving around 40 such cases each day. Once exposed to dust, allergic symptoms may only manifest after 48 hours. Most patients are children so we advise parents to prevent children from getting exposed to the dust, especially those with asthma, because dust can exacerbate allergies. If ignored, this may lead to severe breathing difficulty which is risky especially among babies”.

Rajagopal said that the Poly Clinic usually receives more such cases of bronchial allergies even a week after the dust storm has stopped.

Sara Yassin, a dietician at the Diet Center, said observing water therapy may help avoid getting sick during the dusty season. “Drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day removes toxins from body.

But it is important to avoid staying outdoors as well. We always have this weather in Doha, so it’s better to take proper diet to develop strong immune system. It’s important to take anti-oxidants and Vitamin C in general to prevent illnesses”.