Respiratory problems are often associated with illnesses like the Flu; however, dust storms can lead to some of the same effects as a common virus.
Dust can irritate the lungs, trigger allergic reactions, and cause coughing, wheezing, and runny noses. Dust storms are often caused by strong winds that pick up loose soil, debris, and other particles in dry environments, according to the New Mexico Department of Health.
Just like viruses, these effects can linger and continue to damage the soft tissue inside. Jodi Bullock, a pulmonologist and respiratory health specialist at UMC Hospital, Lubbock, explains how the lungs work to rid the body of dust and debris.
“Your body is going to try to get all the pollen and dust particles out; it’ll make you sneeze, cough, or do something to fight whatever’s in your lungs,” Bullock said.
Although these symptoms are short-term, dust storms have long-term effects on those who don't take proper safety measures. Breathing dust and debris over time can cause chronic breathing and lung problems, according to the New Mexico Department of Health. Jodi Bullock shared her insights into how dust storms can affect the lungs in the long term. “Putting all of the debris, pollen, dust into your system's airways, over time, it's gonna build up in there,” Bullock said. “If your body's not able to get it out properly, it's gonna take a toll on your lungs. If your lungs aren’t able to fully function the way they need to, you’re not going to get the dust, pollen, and debris out as efficiently.”
Bullock added that people with respiratory conditions such as asthma or other lung diseases may be more vulnerable to the effects of dust exposure. The effects of dust storms can be a persistent problem if measures aren’t taken to ensure safety. “We typically want to breathe in through our nose because it warms the air, humidifies it, and filters it,” Bullock said. “Or wear some kind of mask.”
Bullock also notes that airborne debris can damage the lungs and cause permanent scarring that cannot be removed.
“Your lungs try to constantly repair themselves, so you're gonna have scarring from something coming into your lungs, and it's scraping on the inside. Your body is gonna send cells, and you're gonna have a bunch of scar tissue, and it's not like a knee or an elbow or anything that you can get in there and scrape out the scarring. It's permanent.”