Health expert warns from dust sensitivity

The member of the Egyptian Society for Allergy and Immunology, Dr. Magdy Badran, that vitamin "C" protects against the sensitivity of dust in the air, at this time.

He said, in interview with Arabs Today, that that five billion tons of dust travel through the world every year. The sandy local wind  are frequently seen between February and June, and Egypt is currently experiencing sandy and dusty winds and low temperatures.

"Winds filled with sand and dust affect visibility and may cause problems in the nose, throat, respiratory system and eye, especially among people with genetic susceptibility to allergies, causing runny nose, obstruction, loudness, cough and shortness of breath," Badran said.

He explained that the accumulation of dust inside the cars cause allergies to passengers. He pointed out that the bacteria toxins increase the sensitivity against the bed insect, and the toxins of the internal bacteria are the toxins found in certain types of bacteria.

These small particles are released when these bacteria disintegrate into the air, to become airborne, and cause airway infections, Badran stated. He added that there are about 80 types of fungus causing allergies, and there are varieties of symptoms occur with the sensitivity of fungi, such as sinus congestion, and the feeling of permanent fatigue, and neurotoxicity, and some of these toxins cause inflammation in the nervous system, and reduce the production of neurotransmitters, especially serotonin, dopamine and acetylcholine.

Badran pointed out that neurotransmitters control the ability of the brain to focus and calm, to handle information efficiently, and when it is reduced, it results in mood swings, fatigue, depression, anxiety, aggressive behavior, obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention deficit, other psychological symptoms, cognitive problems, depression, and lack of concentration.
"Many allergens, derived from pets and other air pollutants, are present in at least half of our homes," according to Badran.

He explained that the air pollution damage varies according to several variables, including the size of particulate matter suspended in the air, the nature of these suspended particles, the exposure period to the polluted air, and human factors, such as age, health status, immunity and heredity, and small particles are more harmful, because of the ease of passage through the nose, throat, and the ability to enter the lungs.

Air damage may include respiratory infections, chest, nose or skin allergies, lack of circulatory system, and excessive mucus, indicating that production of mucus in the bronchial tube is normal. If mucus is dry, airways will be affected and functionally affected with exposure to dust, Badran stressed. So, It is important to drink water and natural fluids, especially warm, because the high content of water in the mucus helps to moisten the air as it passes through the airways, he added.

As for prevention, Badran advises avoiding getting out of the house, especially in patients with respiratory diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, eye allergies, anti-dust masks, nasal cover, face and head wash after reaching home, cleaning the nose continuously, removing dust in homes, workplaces and cars by wiping with cotton cloth, covering air conditioners, sealing windows and doors, and taking medication for allergy treatment, especially the prevention of spacing between periods of allergic crises.

He pointed to the importance of lifting garbage from the streets first, and lifting the accumulated dust from the streets and roads, because air currents carry them to noses of citizens and their eyes, chests, their skins, clothes and food.

Dr. Magdy Badran says vitamin C is one of the most important antioxidants on the planet. It helps tissue growth and repair, and protects against the negative effects of air pollutants such as dust and car exhaust.