Harmattan Medical Advice

Harmattan Medical Advice

From

Musa Abdullahi Sufi

Medical and Development Geographer

The Harmattan is a term use to describe the dusty wind condition originated from the Sahara. It is the cold weather with the heavy amount of foggy dust in the atmosphere that can limit visibility.  The winds blows toward and across the West coast of Africa during the winter months in the North Pole commonly round December to February. It carries with it very enormous quantity of sand that affects visibility, health etc.

In Nigeria the North-East trade wind is responsible for this trend of movement with about half of the country intensively experiencing it during this period. However, for some the harmattan is occasionally termed as “The Doctor” due to believe it has certain medicinal powers. Nevertheless, the sandy conditions also lead to irritation of the nose, upper respiratory system tract and eyes.

The negative effects of the season mostly shown as a minor irritation and can be much distressing to the people that suffer from eyes allergies or other allergic conditions. Similarly, for individuals who suffer from asthma can experience frequent and devastating rise in their symptoms during the season.

In order to minimize cases and allergies, I am hereby offering the following tips useful to lessen irritation from dry and dusty conditions.

1.      Indoor exercises couple with avoiding Consider exercising out of doors if it is particularly dusty needs to be adopted

2.     Leaving our windows and doors closed will be of great helps to reduce dusty flows into the room and watch out for ventilation to avoid breathing difficulties.

3.     Consume or drink fluids regularly to conserve the natural moisture in the mouth and dodge prolonged periods without waters.  Ensure availability of fluids/water that is handy in the office, homes and cars etc

4.     Ensure young children are accessible to water regularly more especially while playing outside. This can be achieved through awareness and monitoring

5.     The moments eyes started irritation, as soon possible attempt to be indoor if outdoor and use a simple eye lubricant/eyewash

6.     Asthmatic or nasal allergies patients, needs to be sure to always carry along regular preventative medication to control symptoms

7.      Once experience substantial nasal, eye or chest problems despite mentioned measures, please plan visit to see healthcare providers for proper examination and advise

8.     Proper and frequent hand washing helps a lot in minimizing contact with other disease agents through the mouth, nostril and eyes. This is strongly encourage

9.     Use helmet and or glasses to prevent dusts entering eyes and nose while riding bicycle or motorbike. Turban can be of great help

10.  Ensure proper dressing to address cold whether

11.  Bathing with hot warm water is highly recommended

In a final note, harmattan as a natural condition with dry, cold and dusty West African trade wind. It blows southward from the Sahara into the Gulf of Guinea between the ends of November to the middle of March annually. During, this period humidity drops to even as low as 15⁰ C.  While this is a tip of the issue at stake the time for preparation starts now!