Why Corn Season in Nigeria Often Comes With More Coughs (and What You Should Know)

Why Corn Season in Nigeria Often Comes With More Coughs (and What You Should Know)

Ever noticed how corn season in Nigeria—typically from May to September—seems to bring a wave of coughs and sniffles? It’s not just in your head (or your lungs!). While everyone is enjoying roasted or boiled corn by the roadside, many are also battling nagging coughs. Why?

Let’s break it down. Here are 5 big reasons corn season often overlaps with a spike in coughs and respiratory issues:

🌧️ 1️⃣ High Humidity and Rainy Season

Corn season in Nigeria coincides with the rainy season. And that brings:

• High humidity that can aggravate asthma and other respiratory conditions.
• More mold growth on stored or damp corn, triggering allergies or coughs.

Basically, all that wetness is great for corn—and not so great for your airways.

🌿 2️⃣ Mold and Mycotoxins

Improperly dried or stored corn can grow mold, especially Aspergillus species. This mold produces aflatoxins and other mycotoxins. When inhaled or ingested, they can:

• Irritate the respiratory tract.
• Cause persistent coughing or throat discomfort.

Moral of the story? Always buy well-stored, clean corn—and store yours properly too.

🔥 3️⃣ Roasting Smoke

Let’s be honest—roasted corn is delicious, but the roadside roasting smoke? Not so much.

• Smoke from vendors releases particulate matter and pollutants.
• Inhaling it can irritate the throat and lungs, especially for people with asthma or other sensitivities.

Delicious snack, but maybe stand upwind if you can!

🤧 4️⃣ Viral Infections in the Rainy Season

Rainy season is prime time for the spread of colds and flu. It’s basically viral party season:

• More close indoor contact, less ventilation.
• Perfect conditions for viruses that cause coughing.

So people often blame corn—but the real culprit may be a common cold caught during the same season.

🌽 5️⃣ Corn Allergies or Intolerance

Yes, this is a thing. Some people have mild allergies or sensitivities to corn. Symptoms can include:

• Irritation in the throat.
• Post-nasal drip (that tickle that triggers a cough).

It’s not super common, but if you always cough after eating corn, you might want to investigate an intolerance.

💡 Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Corn, But Stay Aware

Corn season is one of Nigeria’s best foodie seasons—but it also comes with its share of health challenges. Don’t panic! Just be aware of:

• Buying well-stored, mold-free corn.
• Minimizing smoke exposure from roasting vendors.
• Taking precautions during flu season.

Your lungs will thank you, even as your taste buds cheer. 🌽💛

Have you noticed more coughs during corn season? Share your experience in the comments and let’s talk about staying healthy together!