Asthma and COPD patients should not go outside unless they have to

Cyprus International University (CIU) Faculty of Medicine Department of Chest Diseases lecturer Prof. Dr. Füsun Yıldız advises asthma and COPD patients not to go out unless they have to during these days when the country is affected frequently by the intense desert storm and dust originating from North Africa, and said, "Asthma and COPD patients should use their medications regularly during this period, and if they have to go out, they should wear a mask. It is important that they return to their homes as quickly as possible.”

Stating that there has been an increase in temperatures all over the world due to the climate change, Yıldız said, “The increase in temperature leads to drought thus accelerating desertification, increasing forest fires, and directly triggering air pollution which leads to an increase in ozone and dust particles in the air. Therefore, social awareness on this issue should be increased, and groups at high risk should take necessary precautions at the highest level.”

Prof. Dr. Yıldız noted that since 1850 when air and sea temperatures have started to be recorded, temperatures have increased continuously and said, “There has been a 0.8 °C increase in global temperature in the previous century. At the end of the 21st century, there is an expectation of a 2.3-6 °C increase. Such an increase will have dramatic consequences in terms of quality of life and health.”

Yıldız stated that global climate change causes heavy and unexpected precipitation in some places, which lead to floods, and landslides. Yıldız reminded that the increase in desertification and sandstorms originating from deserts also negatively affect all countries on a global scale.

Prof. Dr. Yıldız said that desert dust plays a role spreading pollen in the form of various allergens and viruses, adding exposure to dust can increase especially allergic diseases, asthma, and respiratory system infections.

Many studies conducted in recent years showed that desert dusts increase deaths due to heart and lung diseases. Yıldız said, “The respiratory tract damage caused by desert dust in Gaziantep province was examined on 650 thousand patients between 2009 and 2014. According to the results of the study, there was an increase in asthma and COPD-related emergency applications and asthma deaths on days when dust storms occurred .”