WILLEMSTAD - Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) has been approached since last Sunday by an increased number of people who suffer from the Sahara dust cloud that passes over the island. This mainly concerns people who are more sensitive to dust particles, such as asthma and lung patients. Dr. Folkert Brijker, Pulmonologist advises this group to use asthma inhalers regularly.
In addition to the complaints of asthma patients, there are also many questions from concerned citizens who want to know more about the effects that the dust particles can have on their health.
As of last weekend, health warnings have been issued regarding the Sahara dust cloud. This time it is a large cloud of fine dust particles that can cause irritation on the inside of the airways when inhaled, and you can experience quite a few complaints about this, such as tightness and suffer from coughing. If you are not familiar with asthma, it mainly concerns complaints such as breathing less easily or coughing.
The risk is limited for this group. Dr. Brijker advises this group, if they can avoid this, to do as little outdoor activities as possible or avoid intensive sports. A face mask also helps protect against dust particles. If you do suffer from asthma, you can experience an increase in complaints. Dr. Brijker advises people who suffer from asthma to use their inhaler as much as possible, because it can prevent complaints.