Health
MEDICAL experts have tasked Nigerians to drink water frequent and wear light clothes to prevent dehydration due to the current heatwave in the country.
A cross section of experts from the South South, stated this in a survey by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Prof. Dasetima Altraide, a Port Harcourt based dermatologist, enumerated various diseases caused by the heatwave to include heat stroke, cramps and exhaustion.
Altraide, also the Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee on Training at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), also named stress, dehydration, acute kidney injury, upper respiratory tract infections including sinusitis and rhinitis as some of the diseases that could be caused by the heatwave.
According to him, excessive heat could result in skin disorders like heat rashes, hyperhidrosis, sunburn, tinea cruris, tinea pedis, swimmer’s itch, urticaria and worsen acne breakouts.
‘’Currently, there has been a surge in reported cases of heat rash and upper respiratory tract infections in healthcare facilities across the country.
“People can combat the heat wave by wearing clothes made of cotton and breathable clothing to facilitate body ventilation,” he added.
The dermatologist recommended using face-mask to shield the face from direct sunlight as well as wearing of light clothes to mitigate the heatwave.
He said that people facing frequent power outages and those unable to afford air conditioning system should spend more time outdoors to lessen the impact of the heatwave.
“Pregnant women are particularly susceptible to the heat, and so, they should dress in lightweight, loose-fitting attire and utilize topical coolants during this period,” he said.
Similarly, Dr Felix Archibong, the Cross River Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), urged the public to imbibe the intake of water frequently to avoid being dehydrated.
He said that heatwave might cause some ailment like respiratory diseases as well as increased vulnerability to chronic conditions.
Archibong said that dehydration, occasioned by the heatwave, might cause headaches, fatigue, muscle cramps, and dizziness.
He said that drinking plenty of water, staying in naturally humid environment like under tree may help out.
“People should also ensure frequent bathing, not necessarily with soap and increase water intake.”
In the same vein, Dr Ezekiel Edino, the Medical Director, General Hospital, Igbokoda, Ondo, endorsed drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
‘’It’s important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, especially when exercising or spending time in hot weather.
‘’To remain hydrated this time, it is important we do more fruits and vegetables intake, wear light clothing, avoid overcrowded and congested environment,” he said.
He also said that dehydration could lead to more serious problems like heat exhaustion, heat stroke, skin infection, mental health and even death if left untreated.
He said the heat wave could also cause spontaneous abortion in early pregnancy, preterm contractions and general discomfort.
“If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of dehydration, it’s important to seek medical help as soon as possible,’’ Edino said.
The medical director, attributed heat wave to depletion in ozone layer and environmental pollution.
Similarly, Dr Archibong Akpan of the University of Uyo, said that the current heatwave was not just a change in temperature but was caused by climate change, across the world.
Akpan, also a scientist and climatologist, said that climate change had come to stay, urging the people to face it as a reality.
He added that Nigeria, being in West Africa and lining across the west coast was expected to suffer from extreme heat.
On mitigating the heat wave, Akpan said that Nigerians should reduce exposure to extreme heat condition and drink water to avoid dehydration.
“During this heatwave, people will be prone to malaria because of mosquitoes’ bite.
“People will tend to open up their windows and doors at night; during this period most people are likely not to use mosquito-treated nets when they are sleeping because of heat.
“People will tend to have more typhoid and dysentery for children, so there are a lot of health related issues that climate change will definitely induce,” he said.
The scientist said that the government should provide evidence-based data and create public awareness for the public to manage the current heatwave.
He, however, urged governments to provide facilities for the people to re-hydrate themselves by providing water in public places like bus stops and markets.(NAN)
A.
-March 05, 2024 @ 15:53 GMT|
Tags: Dr Archibong Akpan Dr Ezekiel Edino Dr Felix Archibong Prof. Dasetima Altraide
