Harmattan is a weather condition around West Africa that is often characterized by its hot, dry and dusty wind. The wind-blow comes from the Sahara Desert into the Gulf of Guinea between the end of November and the middle of March.
Harmattan has a very far-reaching medical implication, as it consists of fine dust particles between 0.5 and 10 micrometres, as such being very dangerous for people living with asthma.
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So anyone who’s living with the disease should heed to the guide below so as to live better during the Harmattan season.
First, those who live with asthma should make sure they move around with their inhalers as first aid life-line. They are also advised to ”know their triggers and stay completely away from them no matter what.”
Secondly, during Harmattan, it’s best to move all out with sweater, coat, pullover or whatever you may call it just to make sure to be appropriately covered against serious cold. It’s possible an attack could come up even with the precautionary measures are all observed, just make sure to use the inhaler.
In the event that the inhaler is used and the attack persists, rush down to the hospital for an urgent doctor’s assistant, which will require that you don’t join a queue as your case falls under emergency.
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Experts also advise that asthmatic patient move about with health insurance card so if the need to head-up to the hospital arises it won’t be an issue. If you get to a Pharmacy to get some drugs, kindly inform the Pharmacist that you are an asthmatic patient, so he would know what exactly to give – as all drugs may not get down well with such health condition.
In the Harmattan season, asthmatic patients may want to go out only when it’s very necessary otherwise stay back at home. Then if you must go, look for a way to cover your nose to avoid freeway for dust into your system.
It’s also advisable to stay hydrated.