Allergy specialists urge caution as Sahara dust storm returns to Mississippi

Allergy specialists are urging residents to be prepared as Sahara dust once again makes its way through Mississippi.

That plume is a surge of dry, dusty air traveling thousands of miles across the Atlantic from the Sahara Desert.

It’s a familiar sight along the Gulf Coast this time of year.

While it can create striking sunrises and sunsets, it also carries tiny particles that can reduce air quality and pose health concerns.

For people with asthma, allergies, or other breathing issues, that dust can lead to some serious issues.

Health experts say those particles can irritate your eyes, throat, and lungs.

We spoke with a local allergy specialist, who says the symptoms can feel a lot like your typical seasonal allergies. Dr. Mark Murray said, “Right, so there’s a lot of overlap between the two, with these fine particles and the dust, you know those particles get into the nasal cavity, get into the lungs, they cause a lot of irritation, and so you may get some of the similar symptoms of congestion, and sneezing, runny nose, and you know the lungs can cause some cough and things like that. If you have underlying asthma and allergies, take care of those with your daily medications with any treatments that are needed there, so at least take care of that so the dust doesn’t cause extra trouble on top of that.”

The dust is expected to move through the southeast in waves this summer.

Doctors recommend taking a few simple precautions including limiting time outside when dust levels rise, keeping windows closed, using indoor air filters if available, and staying on track with your prescribed medications.