Variation in temperature and health

Dr. Muktar A. Gadanya, MFR

Seasons come and go, and so do they have effect on our health. In a few days from now, we will be bidding the cold season farewell, and switch to the hot and eventually rainy season. We are annually subjected to changes in temperature that if not managed well, can have a heavy toll on our health.

Many Nigerian cities have been witnessing unstable temperatures between very high (day time) to very low (early morning times) in the last few days, with often very low level of humidity. Though the cooler nights are a relief from the usual scorching tropical heat, the low temperatures can poster the spread of viruses in the environment leading to a host of respiratory diseases.

During the biting Harmattan cold many people suffer from sore throat, coughing, running nose and fever. Patients with long standing diseases such as asthma and bronchitis are particularly at risk, and can have serious attacks that can lead to hospitalization. Significant variations in day and night temperatures puzzle our body and increase physiological stress. The body is unable to control fluid intake resulting is dehydration, muscle cramps, fatigue, etc. Decreased fluid intake can cause toxins to accumulate in the body, which can lead to serious ill-health. The stress also has an effect on the body’s metabolism. It causes significant fluctuations in blood pressure and  blood sugar levels. Body immunity is also decreased under these conditions making us more vulnerable to infections.

How can you protect yourself from these changes? The following are some of the recommended steps:

• Keep your house clean, and use vacuum cleaner in addition to regular sweeping
• Avoid dust and air pollution and avoid crowded places when possible.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Use hand sanitizers in public places where soap and water may not be readily available.
• Keep yourself hydrated. Avoid excessively cold water.
• Watch your diet. Eating right during lunch and dinner is significant to help the body deal with temperature fluctuations and counterattack infection. Have warm foods during the night and fresh low temperature foods during midday. Avoid excessive tea and coffee during the day as they can lead to dehydration. Have lots of buttermilk, fresh fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C found in oranges helps build immunity against common cold and cough. So are garlic, avocado and turmeric, among others.

These fluctuations also happen when the rain starts, and when we again switch back to the cold season from the hot season. So we should all be on the watch out for these periods, and take appropriate actions.