DOHA: The Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) said yesterday that it had deployed additional staff at its evening clinics to meet an increased influx of patients following the massive sandstorm on Wednesday night.
After the sandstorm hit, the HMC’s Paediatric Emergency Department received more than 1,300 urgent cases while the Emergency Department (ED) at Hamad General Hospital (HGH) has seen a number of visitors with eye, nose and throat (ENT) injuries. More than 300 people have been treated for respiratory issues, double the usual number, Dr Yousuf Al Maslamani, Medical Director of Hamad General Hospital (HGH) said in a statement.
On Wednesday night, HMC’s Ambulance Service recorded 634 calls, of which 480 were emergency calls. The majority of cases for which ambulances were called were respiratory conditions aggravated by dust.
During the same period, the main Paediatric Emergency Center at Al Sadd received more than 700 urgent cases, including 74 asthmatic patients, with 13 admitted for observation. Other PECs in Al Rayyan, Airport, Al Shamal and Al Daayen received more than 600 patients, including 53 asthmatic cases, with 14 admitted for observation.
The EDs in Al Wakra and Al Khor hospitals have also seen additional cases of respiratory diseases related to the sandstorm.
“More patients with similar issues are expected to attend the evening clinics and HMC’s clinical leadership has ensured that additional staffing resources are in place to deal with the influx of patients,” said the statement.
HMC has advised the public to take basic health and safety precautions. Dust storms, which herald the transition to summer in Qatar, pose health hazards such as sinus allergies and respiratory infections.
Dust consists of tiny solid particles floating in the air, which can get past the lungs’ natural defences and harm sensitive lung tissue. Fine particles of dust can irritate the lungs and trigger allergic reactions or asthma attacks, and prolonged exposure to airborne dust can cause chronic breathing and lung problems, as well as heart disease.
Dr Al Maslamani has advised taking the following precautions during dust storms:
• Avoid going outside, especially during high winds or low visibility, when dust levels are particularly harmful. If unavoidable, spend as little time outside as possible, and avoid doing outdoor exercise. Keep your windows and doors closed.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a mask or damp cloth to reduce inhalation of dust particles when going out.
• When driving, keep the car’s windows closed, and opt for air conditioning instead of fresh air.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes in order to prevent eye infection, which is common during this season. Wear protective gear such as airtight goggles. If your eyes become irritated, rinse with water. Be especially careful if you wear contact lenses.
• During hot weather, always carry a supply of water to avoid getting dehydrated.
• People who are prone to bad allergies should start using their antihistamines during this season, even before the symptoms start.
People at high risk of contracting respiratory infection include infants and young children, the elderly, people with a history of asthma, bronchitis, emphysema or other respiratory conditions, people with heart disease, pregnant women, and people who have to work outdoors, such as construction or delivery workers. Those with chronic conditions should see their doctors as soon as possible if an infection occurs.
Those who show symptoms of allergies such as watering of the eyes, cough, wheezing or asthma have been advised to visit their nearest primary healthcare centre. “Those who have severe trouble breathing or start coughing green sputum might have a lung infection and should go to the Emergency Department,” said Al Maslamani.
People living away from the city, where there is no structure or building to act as a barrier to the wind and reflect sunlight, are advised to avoid going out unless it is absolutely necessary.
THE PENINSULA
