RIYADH: Following Tuesday's severe sandstorm in Riyadh, the Ministry of Health has declared a state of emergency at all government hospitals to receive patients on an around-the-clock basis.

The emergency is in anticipation of the patients who are likely to be affected by respiratory diseases such as asthma, and children who have allergies and related diseases, said Naser Al-Dosary, Health Affairs director general, on Wednesday.

“We have alerted hospitals to ensure their readiness to receive such patients,” he noted, explaining that the inhaled dust passes through the nose, throat and finally attacks the lungs. Patients with respiratory diseases have been advised to stay indoors to avoid the hazards of the dusty weather.

“A large number of patients visited hospitals following the sandstorm,” Dr. Zakir Hussein, a practitioner in Malaz, told Arab News. “We received patients suffering from acute asthma, allergic rhinitis, bronchitis and allergic conjunctivitis,” he said.

He said the treatment varies from patient to patient depending on the degree of the attack. Common treatments include nebulizer, inhaler, anti-allergic tablets and eye drops for conjunctivitis.

Civil Defense authorities advised motorists to drive carefully when visibility is low. They said such weather conditions would continue till mid-day today.

The ministry has also opened its clinics on a 24-hour basis.