NEWSDAY REPORTER Tuesday, April 11 2006

TWO doctors have warned of an increase in respiratory ailments common during the dry season and exacerbated by such environmental and human phenomena as construction activity, Sahara dust and everyday fumes.

According to doctors, this is common for this time of year and the severity of symptoms depends on the level of exposure. In an interview yesterday Dr Roy Tilluckdharry, who spent 14 years working at the Caura Chest Hospital, and is a member of the American College of Chest physicians said it would be difficult to make a generalisation that increased construction activity, Sahara dust and the dry season meant more asthma and other respiratory ailments locally.

He said allergies, rhinitis (a collection of symptoms predominantly in the nose and eyes caused by airborne pollutants), sinusitis (chronic inflammation of the nasal passage) and bronchitis (inflammation of the main air passages in the lungs) were “fairly common” in TT.

Tilluckdharry said, “different areas have their own levels of pollutants.” He added that people exposed to the dust emanating from burnt cane could also be affected. “In certain occupations, people are exposed to more pollutants such as poultry workers, people sanding furniture or those who are exposed to fumes and chemicals.”

Tilluckdharry said workers in high-risk situations should wear masks, although some do not take precautions. He said it took time and repeated exposure before symptoms of respiratory problems became troublesome. “It may start off with allergies, rhinitis then progress deeper into the tubes in the lungs which can cause bronchitis. That is the time they seek medical attention.”

During the dry season, symptoms may worsen in people prone to respiratory ailments due to the lack of moisture to trap dust and pollen. He said national awareness is needed on environmental conditions which lead to health problems. Dr Carol Bhagan-Khan, who specialises in occupational health and environment, said during the dry season there are more respiratory tract infections. Bhagan-Khan said a dry cough, itchy eyes, itchy nose are symptoms of such ailments common around this time of year.

They can be mild and most people find it “tolerable.” She said an antihistamine can be used but medication was not necessary for all cases. She said asthmatics can experience a worsening of their symptoms and have to use medication more often. Bhagan-Khan said symptoms tend to be more of an irritant effect which will pass but a minority can develop more chronic symptoms (bronchitis). Construction workers who do not use protective equipment suffer from respiratory complaints.

They also can have dermatitis and mild fungal infections on exposed parts of their body. These are treatable although long term exposure can make these conditions chronic.