Barbadians are being reminded to brace for periodic intrusions of Saharan dust throughout the year, with peak activity typically occurring during the late dry season and early wet season.
Meteorologist Cherise Brathwaite at the Barbados Meteorological Services said the Saharan dust continues to be present in the island during this time of year.
“After these intrusions, you start to get tropical cyclone activity in the Atlantic, where you tend to see a falloff in the activity with the Saharan dust but it is possible to still get outbreaks throughout the entire year. These conditions usually occur around summer as Barbados is used to having a Saharan dust outbreak. However, we only do the forecasting aspect as it relates to if we are going to get an intrusion or not.
Website
“I would, therefore, recommend persons to go to our website, as it will show the daily forecast as well as the five-day forecast for Barbados, which includes the Saharan dust . . . .
“You will see the effects of the dust colour coded, where the map is showing ‘green’ is no concern and ‘red’, which means there’s a warning note for dust/haze impact,” she said.
As these clouds of dust sweep across the region, medical professionals have weighed in on its effects.
Family physician Dr Sherry Belle said the dust in the atmosphere could adversely affect the ENT (ear, nose, and throat) organs as well as the eyes through several mechanisms.
“The size and composition of the particles, the duration of exposure and an individual’s sensitivity, such as pre-existing allergies or asthma, all play a role in how severe those effects may be. In the nasal cavity, dust particles irritate the mucosa and can lead to rhinitis.
Symptoms
“Patients often present with sneezing, nasal congestion, a runny nose and post-nasal drip. In those with allergic rhinitis, the dust can trigger a histamine response and exacerbate symptoms dramatically,” she said.
Belle further said that dust inhalation could also inflame the throat, noting that common symptoms included dryness, scratchiness, or even a sore throat.
“Many develop a reflex cough as the body tries to expel the particles and those with chronic pharyngitis or laryngitis may experience a notable worsening of their condition.
“Nasal inflammation from dust may impair Eustachian tube function. This can cause a sensation of ear fullness or mild hearing changes and, in some, even mild itching or discomfort in the outer ear canal, especially if there’s underlying dermatitis or eczema.”
To prevent and manage symptoms Belle advised wearing a N95 mask or respirator in dusty environments, using saline nasal sprays or rinses to clear one’s
nasal passages and applying lubricating eye drops to soothe irritation. She also recommended an indoor air purifier to help remove airborne particles and, whenever possible, avoid peak dust exposure periods or nearby construction.
Manager at Collins Ltd in Bridgetown, St Michael, Bruce Mayhew, spoke about the pharmacy’s most common sellers, which include over-the-counter pain-killers.
Congestion
“Antihistamines are also very popular because a lot of people are experiencing congestion and have said they work very [well]. The different type of mulit-purpose pain-killers are also among our top-sellers,” she said, noting this has led to an increase in customer traffic in the store.
“We have good days and bad days depending on how much dust is coming over the island. So, ultimately, it is best to manage these symptoms before they worsen or get to a stage where a bacterial infection occurs.”
Pharmacist David Lewis, of Lewis Drug Mart, in Rockley, Christ Church, said that although symptoms vary from person to person, more individuals were being negatively affected by the dust as it could cause a range of sinus issues from congestion to headaches to dizziness to nausea.
Asthmatics
“Who are of most concern are asthmatics, as we have seen these persons presenting more often and having to use their inhalers and such. So during this time, we would recommend that they definitely have extra inhalers because you never know. If it is severe, we would recommend that they see their physician.
“Additionally, majority of the persons that have sinus issues, sinusitis, we would probably recommend either nasal saline to at least flush the nasal passages to try and keep those clear,” he suggested.
For people who have bad congestion, he recommended using a decongestant, adding: “If we suspect that they’ve already advanced to a sinus infection, we would refer them back to their physicians.
“For that matter, this time of year, we definitely do see a surge in persons who are presenting these symptoms”.
Lewis also spoke about those who might be susceptible to various symptoms.
“For those who are prone to pneumonia and bronchitis, they will be at risk, also. And unfortunately we’re coming back to a time where nobody wants to hear it, COVID is still very real, as well as the flu. So we have persons presenting with similar symptoms and we have to be very cautious with what they’re being treated,” he added. (CS)
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