How to avoid dehydration, kidney problems during harmattan – Medical experts

As Nigerians experience the harmattan season, medical experts have advised them to ensure they drink enough water to avoid dehydration and some kidney-associated problems.

The experts, from University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, gave the advice in an interview with the newsmen on Friday in Ibadan.

Dr. Femi Popoola, a consultant community physician, urged citizens to always stay warm and take lots of water, liquids, and fruits.

Popoola listed some health-promoting measures during harmattan, including wearing layered clothing to cope with the effects of the cold.

The consultant community physician said that avoiding colds, dust, and other irritating factors by people with asthma, as well as other allergic conditions, was also necessary.

“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 to your skin and other exposed areas like your lips to avoid chapping.

“People with asthma and other allergic conditions should stock up on relevant prescribed medication or see a physician,” he said.

Popoola also advised people not to use antibiotics for coughs and catarrh, as they were mostly caused by viral agents.

According to him, over-the-counter remedies, such as menthol, lozenges and cough expectorants may help and be preferable.

“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,” Popoola said.

Also, a senior registrar in the Department of Medicine at UCH, Dr. John Oladapo, enjoined citizens to pay attention to their health and water intake.

Oladapo said that at this time, people should always apply oily creams that go into their bodies to avoid dryness.

He further stated that the harmattan season could affect the generality of an individual’s wellness, especially in terms of hydration level, as one could be dehydrated.

“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, avoid eating of domestic rats, practice good hygiene, and maintain good cough etiquette.

According to the medical practitioner, the harmattan season comes with very dry wind and lots of movement in the atmosphere, while there is a reduction in the water in the body.

Oladapo added that there could be an increased tendency for people to have respiratory tract infections generally, as they tend to have cough, catarrh, and difficulty breathing, among other ailments.

He enjoined citizens to be careful when exposing themselves unnecessarily, adding that children, in particular, should pay attention to the surfaces they touch and the 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 the victims not to see clearly.

“It’s very important that people pay proper attention to their health in general, even as the year is coming to an end,” Oladapo said.