African dust: 15 people were taken to hospitals with respiratory problems on Tuesday

The African dust will remain in the atmosphere until at least noon today, causing concern to experts and citizens.

And yet, according to the EKAV, yesterday Tuesday the transfers to hospitals due to shortness of breath were fewer than any other day. In particular, if on average 40 cases of shortness of breath are delivered to the hospitals per day, yesterday Tuesday a maximum of 15 people were transferred to the hospitals, creating a picture inversely proportional to the one expected from the African dust.

It is assumed that citizens with respiratory problems obeyed the instructions of pulmonologists and stayed at home, limiting their movements to the absolutely necessary.

However, doctors draw attention to people with an already burdened history. “Clearly, the presence of increased dust particles causes various problems both in the respiratory and cardiovascular in the sense that it stimulates the development of inflammation in systems that are already suffering, resulting in flare-ups”, said Sofia Pourikis, pulmonologist and intensivist of the ICU ” Salvation”.

It would be good, until the phenomenon goes away, for people with respiratory and cardiovascular problems to limit their movements. “At this stage, people who have some chronic problems should be careful. We mean that they should avoid being outdoors, especially during the day, and stay indoors as much as possible,” Sofia Pouriki added.

And if the dust clears for a while, it looks like it will be back starting next week. The African dust will subside from Thursday, but for two more days people dealing with underlying illnesses should be extra careful.

Guidelines from the Ministry of Health on African dust

The Ministry of Health also issued recommendations for protection against African dust.

These are instructions for people at increased risk who should avoid any physical exercise-activity outdoors due to African dust, specifically in:

• People with respiratory problems
• Heart patients
• children as well
• people over 65 years old

It is also recommended to avoid staying outdoors, especially in areas with increased traffic.

People with asthma may need more frequent inhalations of reliever medicine. If symptoms persist, it is recommended to contact the attending physician.

African dust: Recommendations in the general population

Every person is advised to avoid any physical exercise outdoors and to limit the time spent outdoors especially in areas with increased traffic.

During his stay indoors, doors, balcony doors and windows should be kept closed.

On Wednesday, the turn of the winds to the west will result in the limitation of dust in the Dodecanese and its progressive removal to the east.

The forecast maps of the National Observatory of Athens below show:

• With red shades the concentration of dust in the atmosphere during the midday and evening hours of Tuesday 23/04.
• With yellow shades the areas where mud rains will occur during the same time intervals.