Stomach infection cases rise by 40% during rainy season

Team L&M

Monsoon is here. Unfortunately, with this season, there is an increased risk of gut problems. A large number of people suffer from stomach infections that require timely intervention. To keep the gut healthy during this season, it is imperative to eat probiotics, avoid eating roadside-cut fruits or even raw vegetables loaded with bacteria and germs, stay hydrated, go for freshly-made home-cooked food, and opt for lighter meals. Paying attention to diet, and personal hygiene during monsoon can help keep stomach infections at bay.

Monsoon is synonymous with stomach infections. Various problems such as gastroenteritis, and food poisoning can give a tough time to people. Gastric issues are seen due to humidity levels, contaminated water, and food, leading to a weak immune system. “One’s digestive system takes a hit during monsoon leading to bloating, acidity, and indigestion. People tend to eat uncovered roadside food or raw and undercooked foods contaminated with bacteria like Salmonella and E.coli makes them prone to food poisoning. Even drinking contaminated water leads to diarrhoea, and other stomach infections including gastroenteritis, a viral infection that impacts the gastrointestinal system and causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines. 90% of cases of gastroenteritis are due to infection due to contaminated water and food. Low immunity causes 80% of infections during monsoon. Usually, stomach infection cases are 10-15 % of total cases in a month. However, during monsoon, the number of stomach infections goes up to 40%. People come with complaints of diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, stomach cramps, fever and chills, headaches, appetite loss, fatigue, and tiredness. If the gastroenteritis is serious then dehydration that occurs due to this condition can take a toll on one’s kidney and liver. Make sure to follow a well-balanced diet and stay healthy during monsoon,” says Dr Priti Jain, Gastroenterologist, Apollo Spectra, Delhi.

Adds Dr Urvi Maheshwari, Internal Medicine Expert, Zynova Shalby hospital, “The high level of humidity and moisture encourages the growth of bacteria and viruses to thrive in food and water sources that cause gastroenteritis. Many people will notice symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. 20 to 30% of patients are coming for treatment with complaints of stomach ailment. It is vital to exercise caution by drinking boiled water and eating well-cooked food, avoiding roadside or raw food or cut fruits. Stay vigilant to prevent gastroenteritis during monsoon.”

To prevent stomach infections, swear by these vital tips. “Eat probiotics such as yogurt, buttermilk, and kombucha, drink enough water with slat or juice to stay hydrated, go for boiled veggies instead of fiber, raw, food that is easy to digest. Cook the food properly to avoid contamination. Eat lighter meals and chew the food properly. Avoid eating roadside, canned, processed, and oily food that causes indigestion, gas, vomiting, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and heartburn. Maintain good personal hygiene and wash hands after coming home, visiting the loo, and before cooking. If you are not finding any relief even after eating healthy and drinking enough water then consult the doctor without any further delay. The doctor can prescribe an antibiotic course for 5-7 days for recovery from the infection.  Staying vigilant will help you ensure improved gut health,” concluded Dr Jain.