DOHA: Despite the new round of windy and dusty conditions, Paediatric Emergency Centres (PECs) of Hamad Medical Corporation did not see any unusual increase in the number of cases related to respiratory diseases among young children because most schools are on spring break, HMC has said.
“We didn’t notice any recorded increase in the number of PEC visitors during this recent dust storm. The total number of children who visited all five PECs in Al Sadd, Al Rayyan, Airport, Al Shamal and Al Daayen on Tuesday was about 1,370,” according to Dr Mohamed Al Amri, Consultant, PEC Al Sadd.
Hamad General Hospital’s Emergency Department received around 12 cases with ailments, including respiratory related issues aggravated by the dusty weather.
Dr Al Amri said increased awareness about precautions in the wider community has considerably reduced the possible effects of the dust storm on people’s health. However, he advised residents to keep their children indoors and allow them to go out if necessary, particularly to open places such as public parks, resorts and beaches, and ensure that doors and windows are securely closed in addition to the use of face masks during the current conditions. He encouraged the use of nebulisers and bronchial dilatators immediately after the onset of asthma symptoms and said patient with for persistent coughs should visit the nearest healthcare centre.
HMC has advised people to avoid going outside, especially during high winds or low visibility, keep windows and doors closed and cover nose and mouth with a mask or damp cloth when going out. It has advised motorists to keep their cars’ windows closed and opt for air conditioning instead of fresh air. Avoid rubbing eyes to prevent eye infection, wear protective gear such as airtight goggles, always carry water during hot weather and those prone to bad allergies should use antihistamines during this season, it added. The Peninsula
