DALLAS — Medical experts say a cloud of dust from the Sahara Desert that’s swirling high above Texas will probably make for a rough few days, especially for people dealing with allergies.
“There are times where you can feel it strongly, and sometimes you can slightly feel it,” said Regina Sanchez of McAllen. “It feels like… thicker.”
The dust is traveling high in the air and may not be clearly visible to all. Monday morning, a clear haze was seen by folks in Austin and San Antonio, while others in Dallas and even Sanchez in McAllen reported clear skies.
However, visible or not, doctors say the hazard that dust poses will still be present.
“Nasal irritation, throat irritation, runny nose,” said Dr. Lisa Barber, a pulmonologist at Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin. “Just by going outdoors, they might have some of these symptoms triggered.”
Barber said it could even trigger cold-like symptoms in non-allergy sufferers.
Unlike normal seasonal allergens, Barber said the effects of the dust may not be so easily countered with the usual medicines and could even require a trip to the doctor for those with serious respiratory issues.
“Because the dust itself is more of an irritant because of the particles and how they interact with the lining of our airway rather than an allergen,” she said.
Doctors recommend staying indoors when possible and driving with windows rolled up while the dust travels through the state. Additionally, Barber said wearing an N95 mask while out and about can help folks avoid breathing in the dust particles.