Dust storms which have been sand-blasting Bahrain for 10 days could soon cause serious health problems, doctors have warned.

More and more people are already reporting to Salmaniya Medical Complex and the country's health centres with weather-related illnesses.

Figures could soar and people could become even more ill if the bad weather persists for more than a few days, say SMC doctors.

'While we are seeing a marginal increase in the number of people suffering from respiratory conditions and other related problems, there is no dramatic increase,' said accident and emergency department chairman Dr Jassim Al Mehza.

'But if this bad weather continues beyond a few days more, we could be seeing a lot more patients,' he said.

'A human body can take only so much and sooner than later, people's natural immunity could wear off,' he said.

He said most people were going to their local health centres, but the SMC was seeing an increase in patient numbers at weekends.

Weathermen say things should improve by the weekend, but doctors say people should still be careful.

Anyone suffering from symptoms of asthma or breathlessness should stay indoors, said Dr Al Mehza. 'They should also consume a lot of fluids to keep the wind pipe moist,' he said.

Prolonged exposure to dust and humidity can cause a variety of health problems, some long-term, said SMC emergency medicine specialist Dr Nasser Mohammed Ali Mansoor.

'Intense exposures to any type of dust and smoke can cause eye, nose, throat, and lung irritation, triggering coughing and sneezing in the allergy prone,' he said.

'These symptoms are usually short-term, protective ways that the body uses to remove foreign material. When they persist or are very severe, they may be symptoms of a more serious condition.'

Dr Mansoor said such severe reactions usually occur in the first day or so after a high-level exposure and include persistent shortness of breath, rapid breathing, chest pain or tightness, headache, dizziness, or fainting.

'Individuals with asthma, other lung conditions, or heart disease are generally more vulnerable to the effects of dust and smoke,' said Dr Mansoor.

'It is not necessary to visit a physician for minor conditions such as eye irritation, coughing, or sneezing.

'However, if there is persistent cough, severe eye irritation, or more serious symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort, or light-headedness, one should check with a doctor,' said Dr Mansoor.

This was particularly true for individuals who have had significant exposure (including a confined-space exposure or a facial or nasal burn), as well as for those with pre-existing lung or heart conditions.-TradeArabia News Service