Ever wonder the prons of the season and happening. Harmattan is a weather condition characterized by dry, dusty, cold breeze or wind. The harmattan wind or season is originated from the Sahara desert, it is also known as the North East trade wind. It emanates from the North and sweeps towards the south, especially in Africa. This weather condition is always active from November to February or March (as the case may be), which is usually dry season.
Harmattan, however, can be of adverse health effect to the body and poses some health risks and hazards - dehydration, fainting, allergies, eye defects, and so on.
Harmattan and your health can't be separated, let's look at some dangerous relationships harmattan can cause to one's health and some ways to tackle the problems. Some of the health problems include:
1. Respiratory diseases or infections.: Due to the nature of the respiratory system, which makes it exposed to the environment or atmosphere. Dust particles from the atmosphere overload the respiratory system due to the influx of dust. The respiratory system is exposed to infections.
- Always ensure you take proper care of the body. Reduce the chances of being exposed to the harmattan. Always put on a mouth cover or nose mask.
2. Excess air intake: you may have observed, during the harmattan season, one seems to take over air due to the wind in the atmosphere. Sometimes people find it difficult to breathe out, this happens because there's already intake of plenty of air, all ascribed to the excess air caused by the harmattan.
- To reduce this, one is advised to take warm water and wear a nose mask for air filtering.
3. Dehydration: this is simply a loss of hydration (water) in the body system. One experiences an intense and quick thirst for water or any fluid. This is a normal thing for the body, the body yearns for more water due to its constant loss of water during intense dryness in the harmattan. Dehydration can lead to intense thirst, which if not quenched can be dangerous, may lead to fainting (temporary passing away) or even death.
- A simple solution to this is to always stay hydrated, drink plenty of water, take fruits and vegetables that have good water content like cucumber and watermelon. Other edible fluids like beverages or tea can be of help.
4. Dryness of skin: this is very common during harmattan, the skin due to its exposure to the dry atmosphere or air starts experiencing severe dryness and sometimes roughness, it also leads to skin breakage, where the lips and heels begin to break, in some situations or locations, it even affects the skin color, changing to a dry- Ash and scaly color.
- Apply good skincare products; body cream, hair oil, skin moisturizer, etc.
- Good skincare practices like manicure and pedicure.
- Drink lots of water
- Always eat good food (balanced diet)
5. Nasal congestion: can be called catarrh in some cases, an irritating, unpleasant accumulation of thick liquids (known as mucus) in the chest, throat, and nose.
- Simple medications from the pharmacy will cure this, a good diet and vegetables will help too. Steam bath or inhalation is also a tested and trusted rapid solution.
6. Cough: this is always or sometimes related to catarrh even though they are not the same. However, this can easily spread by air.
- Medication from the pharmacy or medicine store will cure this. Those infected should always put on a nose mask in public to avoid spreading.
7. Cold: this is one of the most popular challenges during harmattan, it comes with severe shivering of the body, may lead to fever, runny nose, etc.
- It is very important to wear clothing that will properly cover and warm the body up, always bath with warm water, drink warm water too.
8. Asthma: this is a respiratory tract infection that involves difficulty in breathing. Harmattan is not good weather for those suffering from asthma. Proper cautionary and precautionary measures should always be employed, this will help avoid attacks during harmattan dust and cold.
- Always wear proper clothing, avoid exposure to cold and dust as much as possible. Always use an inhaler. Consult your doctor.
Nevertheless, we do not presume the place of your physician is serious health matters, always consult a physician if you have any health challenge, especially during the harmattan season.
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