The Dune that we experienced in Greece, namely Attica, in the previous twenty-four hours, with her African dust that created a dystopian condition around us, seems to have affected our insides as well.
The report of the Hellenic Geological and Mining Research Authority has confirmed what anyone who has bothered – even a little – to know what is in the air we breathe normally and can kill us assumed: the suspended particles.
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According to EAGMEthe African dust carried particles in a wide range of sizes, including the smallest which are the most dangerous since they can penetrate everywhere in our body.
WHAT IS AFRICAN DUST “BEARING”?
The dust that leaves Africa and comes to Europe is usually composed of mineral particles from the Sahara desert. These are
- clay minerals (they are formed by the weathering of rocks and can contribute to the dust’s ability to retain moisture and nutrients),
- particles marine of salt (dust storms can pick up sea salt as they travel across the Mediterranean Sea, adding a salty component to the mix),
- microorganisms (dust can carry bacteria, viruses, fungi and allergens – usually in small amounts that do not cause a significant health problem for most people unless the phenomenon is very severe) and
- man-made pollutants (windblown dust can carry traces of pollutants, such as dust from industrial activities. Of course, this is not a typical ingredient).
HOW DO WE CLEAN THE TORCH, THROAT AND LUNGS?
Given that those who happened to be outside on Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning (when the dust had engulfed everything) tasted dirt on their palates for hours. They also felt their nostrils ‘dirty’, while the nose was ‘running’ (as a natural response to what was passing by to save us), with the picture being completed by coughing, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, sore throat, headache and fatigue.
If you also suffer from allergiesit is useful to know that African dust aggravates the symptoms (lacrimation, sneezing, nasal congestion, etc.).
But how can we clean them? nostrils and neck us who are still suffering?
Experts recommend saline flush. Put half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of boiled or distilled water and with a nasal bulb syringe, which you will find in pharmacies, pour the solution into each nostril – tilting the head from one to the other.
The face clean it with warm water and mild soap to remove the dust that has “sat” on the skin. African dust can irritate the skin, causing dryness, itching and rashes.
For eyes there are eye drops that keep them hydrated and reduce itching and tearing.
As far as they are concerned lungs, there is no direct way to clear them. The body, however, has natural mechanisms to eliminate dust and, in general, irritants.
One is the cough arising as a reflex of the body, to expel dust and mucus from the airways.
Then there is the mucus production which traps dust particles.
We can help the situation somewhat, with her drinking a lot of fluids which thin the mucus and thus facilitate the expulsion. We can achieve this by inhaling steam which also facilitates coughing. Take a shower with the bathroom door closed.
They also become our allies deep, slow breaths which expand the lungs and therefore the movement of mucus.
However, if we have shortness of breath, fever, chills or chest pain or cough up blood we trust a healthcare professional.
Note that the hack commonly used by painters who do not wear a mask during their work is to drink milk it can actually increase mucus production in some people and thus worsen congestion.
Finally, if you have a pet it is useful to bathe it.
