With every nook and corner of the city being dug up, Ahmedabad seems no more than a heap of dust.To make the situation worse, there has been a sudden climate change.The city has been very windy and dusty for two days and that has given rise to respiratory ailments. While the weather took a toll on asthmatic patients, those suffering from cough and cold and viral fever across the city felt their condition worsen. Along with frequent sneezing, dry cough, cold, nose block, headache, eye irritation, the ENT specialists say that continuous exposure to such atmosphere can also lead to allergic rhinosinusitis and bronchial asthma. They also confirm that almost 10 per cent of Ahmedabad's p o p u l at i o n suffer from dust allergy of some kind. ENT surgeon Dr Navin Patel says, "This is the peak pollen season which has been coupled with strong wind current and dust. In such atmosphere, asthmatic patients are extremely susceptible to asthmatic attacks.' In addition to it, continuous exposure to heavy dust can also lead to various bronchial diseases in later period. Adding to the woes are dug-up roads. "Roads are dug up every where causing traffic and dust,' says Rachna Desai, a Satellite resident. GET DUST-PROOF While driving, use a mask and wear helmet Avoid early morning and late evening walks While washing face, clean nose properly Take steam inhalation at least once a week Do regular breathing exercises