Ceará wind season poses respiratory health risks

The start of the second half of the year in Ceará marks the beginning of the intense wind season, a phenomenon that typically lasts until the end of the year. According to data from the Cearense Foundation for Meteorology and Water Resources (Funceme), average wind speeds in the state often exceed 30 km/h during this period, with gusts potentially surpassing 50 km/h, particularly in coastal and mountain regions.

This weather pattern, characterized by strong winds combined with low relative humidity and increased suspension of dust and fine particles, poses significant health risks. Prolonged exposure to dry air and wind can dry out the upper respiratory tract, exacerbating conditions such as rhinitis, asthma, and bronchitis, while also contributing to dry eye syndrome and conjunctivitis.

Dr. Artur Lima, an otorhinolaryngologist at Rede Oto, notes that strong winds transport higher amounts of suspended pollen and mites. When these particles contact dehydrated mucous membranes, they can cause immediate inflammatory processes, leading to symptoms like frequent sneezing, nasal obstruction, intense eye itching, and nasal bleeding. Health experts recommend continuous hydration and daily nasal irrigation with 0.9% saline solution to mitigate these effects.