It may come as no surprise to find out that rapid urbanization is one of the largest contributors to the increase of asthma in the GCC: everywhere you look you’ll spot a crane or digger working away to complete the build of a brand new shiny tower waiting to accommodate more people. We’re also situated close to large open plains of sand, which often gets blown about when a storm sweeps through town, and it’s at this time of year when sand storms are prevalent that asthma sufferers need to be extra vigilant.

While the treatment of asthma isn’t a short-term fix, we have found some practical advice that can help you reduce the severity of your asthma attacks and limit your intake of inhaling harmful dust.

Regularly clean your air con vents

We spend a lot of time indoors and often use air conditioning to help us beat the heat of summer, so we recommend cleaning the ducts and vents of your air conditioning units on a regular basis.

Use an air-purifier

Sandstorms affect allergy and asthma sufferers the most. However, using 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 improve indoor air quality by removing the allergens and particles that can trigger symptoms by directing air through a filter.

Consider using a face mist

Keeping a face mist handy can help you to quickly remove dust particles from your eyes, nose and face.

Wear a medical face mask

If you do have to go outdoors during a sandstorm consider wearing a face mask to help you limit the amount of particles you inhale – this will also need to be changed on a regular basis.

It also pays off to keep an eye on weather reports so that you can plan and schedule your daily activities around events such as sand storms. We hope that you manage to limit your exposure to harmful dusts and allergens and please share with us any tips that might help fellow asthma sufferers to live amongst dusty conditions.

Photo sourced from Just Here Qatar.

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