Are your allergy symptoms flaring up? Blame it on the Saharan dust that is back in Texas
Saharan dust is forecast by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to move over the entire state of Texas the next couple of days, with the heaviest amounts over Central Texas, North Central Texas, Southeast Texas and along the coastal bend of Texas.
The dust may cause the air quality index to spike into the upper end of the “moderate” range to the lower end of the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” range, particularly during the morning and evening hours, TCEQ’s Thursday forecast said. Conditions may begin to slightly improve this weekend with lower concentrations of Saharan dust in South Texas, Central Texas, North Central Texas and along the Texas coast.
Last year, the dust plume made its way to North Texas in early June.
With the giant dust plume drifting over Texas again, there’s a 25% increase in allergy complaints, says Dallas ENT. Runny nose, scratchy throat, postnasal drip, sneezing and nasal congestion are all common symptoms.
“Because Saharan dust includes a type of sand not found in our area, it can trigger your immune system to react with symptoms typical of springtime allergies,” Dallas ENT writes on their website.
What is Saharan dust?
The Saharan Air Layer, also known as Saharan dust, is a mass of very dry, dusty air that forms over the Sahara Desert during the late spring, summer and early fall, per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Through high-speed winds, the dust can travel thousands of miles away from its Northern African origins, typically ramping up in mid-June and peaking from late June to mid-August, with new outbreaks occurring every three to five days. During its peak period, it’s common for the dust from the Sahara to reach as far west as Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and southern continental states including Florida and Texas, covering extensive areas of the Atlantic.
What to know about Saharan dust allergies
Saharan dust worsens air quality and increases the levels of particulate matter in the air, which can be harmful to your health. Larger Saharan dust particles can irritate the skin and eyes, while smaller particles can be inhaled and cause respiratory disorders and cardiovascular events.
“The particles can be breathed in and enter your lungs and blood stream, potentially triggering asthma attacks in people who have asthma and aggravating other respiratory conditions,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.
People with asthma, allergies, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and respiratory infections can get severely ill from Saharan dust. Groups that are most likely to experience health problems when exposed to Saharan dust are:
Children and babies
Older adults
People with underlying lung conditions
People with chronic cardiopulmonary diseases
What to do about Saharan dust symptoms
Dallas ENT recommends limiting time outdoors and staying hydrated. If you do spend time outside, choose easier outdoor activities so that you don’t breathe as hard, the CDC recommends.
If you get mild symptoms, Dallas ENT recommends saline spray, air purifiers and nasal irrigation. For those with underlying breathing issues, they need to have their inhalers handy and seek emergency care if necessary. If over-the-counter medications don’t work or symptoms worsen, see your doctor.
Baylor College of Medicine offers the following tips
Stay indoors as much as possible while the dust is in the air, or wear a mask while outside to avoid breathing in the dust.
Run a HEPA filter indoors to purify air, especially in the bedroom.
Patients who use medications for pulmonary conditions should have them on hand at all times and use as prescribed.
For less severe symptoms, standard allergy medications like antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays might be helpful.
Seek professional medical advice at the first sign of difficulty breathing.
