Medical professionals are urging Nigerians to prioritize hydration during the peak of the harmattan season to prevent kidney-related problems.
Experts from the University College Hospital in Ibadan, Oyo State, emphasized the importance of drinking enough water to stay hydrated and boost the immune system. Dr. Femi Popoola, a Consultant Community Physician, recommended staying warm, wearing layered clothing, and avoiding cold, dust, and other irritating factors that could trigger asthma and allergic conditions.
He advised carrying a water bottle, especially when outdoors, and regularly drinking water to prevent dehydration. Additionally, applying oil on the skin and lips was recommended to avoid chapping.
He listed some health-promoting measures during harmattan including wearing layered clothing and avoiding cold, dust and other irritating factors that could trigger asthma and other allergic conditions.
The physician said, “Always carry a water bottle, especially if you will be moving around outside, while you must drink water regularly and whenever you feel dry.
“Also, apply oil on your skin and other exposed areas like the lips to avoid chapping.
“People with asthma and other allergic conditions should stock up on relevant prescribed medication or see a physician.”
The expert advised people not to use antibiotics for coughs and catarrh, as are mostly caused by viral agents.
He explained that over-the-counter remedies, such as menthol, lozenges and cough expectorants may help and are preferable.
Popoola added, “These measures could help to tackle common health issues people experience at this time, such as worsening of allergies (hay fever), respiratory infections, dehydration and tiredness.”
Speaking also, a Senior Registrar in the Department of Medicine, UCH, Dr John Oladapo, enjoined citizens to pay attention to their health and water intake.
He advised that at this time, people should always apply oily creams to avoid dryness, noting that the harmattan season could affect the generality of an individual’s wellness, especially in terms of hydration level.
Oladapo said, “So if somebody does not drink enough water, such a person can experience dehydration which can lead to kidney problems and poor body functioning.
“Always wash your hands, get lip gloss to avoid having dry lips, avoid bush burning and eating domestic rats, practise good hygiene and maintain good cough etiquette.”
According to him, the harmattan season comes with arid wind and lots of movement in the atmosphere, while there is a reduction in the amount of water in the body.
Oladapo added that there could be an increased tendency for people to have respiratory tract infections and difficulty breathing, among other ailments.
The consultant urged Nigerians not to expose themselves unnecessarily, and that children should pay particular attention to the surfaces they touch and places they go.
“There may also be incidences of allergic conjunctivitis because the virus is moving around the atmosphere and it irritates the eyes which can make it difficult for people not to see clearly.
“It’s very important for people to pay proper attention to their health in general, even as the year comes to an end,” he advised.