An air mass from the deserts of North Africa, carrying suspended dust, crosses mainland Portugal during the 6th and 7th of June. The phenomenon affects air quality in mainland Portugal, as the Directorate-General of Health has already warned, as these particles are larger than the usual dust that surrounds us. Filipa Matos Semedo , specialist in Immunoallergology at Hospital da Luz Lisboa, explains here the effects of this atmospheric situation on the health of the population, especially that of the most vulnerable people: What can cause the inhalation of clay dust from the Sahara? Inhalation of mineral particles that make up dust can trigger respiratory symptoms such as bronchial hyperreactivity - manifested by coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, feeling of incomplete breathing and feeling of chest tightness. It can also lead to nasal symptoms, with sneezing, secretions and increased mucus, nasal obstruction, and nasal itching. The eyes are also susceptible and may show irritation, redness, itching and tearing. These symptoms can appear even in people without a history of respiratory disease or allergic disease and should be observed and treated even if it is the first time that they manifest symptoms. Who might be most affected? People with chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma (or asthmatic bronchitis), rhinitis, sinusitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (associated with tobacco), as well as patients with more severe cardiac pathology. Regarding age groups, children and the elderly may have more intense symptoms. What special care should respiratory patients take? Respiratory patients should, first, avoid exposing themselves to dust dispersed in the air, staying inside their homes or, if this is not possible, always use a face mask outside, as long as the air quality remains that way. The usual medication must be strictly adhered to and, if necessary, the relief medication prescribed by the usual doctor must be taken. In the event of acute symptoms of shortness of breath or cough, they should ideally be observed by your treating physician. The Immunoallergology consultation of the Hospital da Luz Network is available and with vacancies for urgent consultations, allowing a quick approach to symptoms and subsequent clinical guidance. What about allergic patients? Allergic patients, with allergic rhinitis and asthma, as well as patients with atopic dermatitis (eczema) and allergic conjunctivitis, are patients more likely to worsen their allergic disease on exposure to desert dust. They should try to keep their symptoms under control with the maintenance medication prescribed by their immunoallergist assistant or seek an appointment (in person or video appointment) of Immunoallergology for clinical guidance. What if you are a smoker? Smoking is, in addition to allergies, a risk factor for developing more severe respiratory symptoms, such as coughing and shortness of breath. You should avoid smoking on days when the air quality remains degraded, as well as reducing exposure to dust outside. Does the mask help prevent inhalation of these particles? The use of a mask reduces the number of inhaled particles, since they are mineral particles of relatively large dimensions. They are prevented by the physical barrier from penetrating the airways in large quantities, reducing the likelihood of respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath or cough. Can we normally walk on the street without fear of this dust? We must walk carefully on the street, due to the high risk of deposition of these particles in the airways, even if we do not have respiratory disease or allergic disease. The harmful effects of this exposure are known, and respiratory patients and allergic patients are more susceptible than the rest of the population, so their care and surveillance must be redoubled.
