BIZCHINA / Weekly Roundup
Come with the wind
By Ye Jun (China Daily)
Updated: 2006-04-21 09:03
In the past two weeks, Beijing has witnessed some of the capital's worst
spring weather in history. Chilly days follow hot days, rain comes after
wind, and the bad weather climaxed on Sunday night, when yellow dust
covered the city overnight.
Reports from different departments at the China-Japan Friendship Hospital
show that patient inflow increased a great deal. The abnormal weather has
led to many problems, especially with eyes, nose, throat and skin.
Meanwhile, old people, infants, pregnant women, and people with chronic
problems such as cardiovascular disorders should keep warm to prevent
problems brought on by the strong wind.
A tourist wears sunglasses and cloth mask to ward off dust as he goes
sightseeing at the Tiananmen Square in the center of Beijing April 17,
2006. Beijing residents woke on Monday morning to find their homes,
streets and cars covered in brown dust left by the latest of a spate of
duststorms. Dusty weather is a headache for Beijing in spring. Experts
advised residents to stay indoors or wear masks when going out for their
health. [newsphoto]
At the hospital, the Respiratory, Paediatrics and E.N.T departments
witnessed a sharp increase in the number of old and very young patients,
while a great deal of white-collar workers were suffering with rhinitis
and pharyngitis.
"The nasal cavity has a certain filtering function, but there is too much
dirt in the air on sandstorm days, which can exacerbate respiratory
illness and allergies, and cause coughing or shortness of breath," said
Su Nan, doctor of the Respiratory Department. "Among the old and the
weak, respiratory problems can develop into pneumonia and other heart and
lung problems."
Patient inflow increased 20 per cent in Su's department, with many coming
with allergic rhinitis, acute rhinitis, throat inflammation or asthma.
"With the warming of the weather, pathogens have become more active,"
explained Yang Dazhang, another doctor at the department. "When it comes
to windy weather, dust in the air carries a lot of alien objects and
pathogenic bacteria, which can enter the body, leading to running nose,
nasal itching and sneezing."
A woman walks past a car parked in the open air and covered by dust in
Beijing April 17, 2006. Dusty weather is a headache for Beijing in
spring. Experts advised residents stay indoor or wear masks when going
out for their health as the dusty weather continues today. [Xinhua]
If dust enters the body by way of mouth it can lead to throat problems,
and sometimes even inflammation in the ears.
Yang suggests wearing facemasks, scarves or caps to keep warm. Yang also
suggests avoiding crowded places due to the increase in respiratory
infections of late.
The Paediatric Department's statistics show that patient inflow was up
48.5 per cent in late March and early April compared with the same period
last year.
Meanwhile the Ophthalmology Department warns people to watch for
conjunctivitis and be careful with wearing contact lenses.
"When dirt or alien objects get into the eyes, do not use the hands to
rub them as this can injure the eyes, leading to pain, blurred vision, or
even keratitis," revealed Chen Shu, a doctor with the department.
Chen suggests dealing with it in a place without wind. Some dirt can flow
out with tears, so try blinking, or lifting the eyelid gently and
swinging it to increase tear secretion. If that doesn't work then seek
medical help.
The doctor also suggests wearing glasses instead of contact lens on windy
and dusty days, because, dirt can stabilize on the lens and lead to
inflammation.
Beijing's windy days also lead to dryness of the skin, roughening,
reddening, or even cracking, according to Wang Chen, director of the
Dermatology Department. If those conditions persist, bacteria can get
into the pores and cause inflammation, spots or itchiness. People with
allergic tendencies might develop allergic dermatitis.
Wang suggests wearing facemasks, or shielding the head with a gauze scarf
when going outdoors. Once indoors, you should wash the face and keep the
skin clean. People can also put on simple and mild skin-protecting
cosmetics to help keep the skin moist, so that it does not crack. For
women who often use make up, do not wear heavy or colourful makeup during
windy and dusty days. If wind borne particles blend with cosmetics, they
can have a chemical reaction affecting the skin. In these cases the skin
reddens, itches or develops rashes, people should consult a dermatologist
before applying medicines.
(For more biz stories, please visit Industry Updates)
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