Monsoon maladies blowing in air

LUCKNOW: Monsoon might energise you with cool breeze and drop in temperature, but the season also ushers a plethora of water-borne or vector-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria and chikungunya, apart from the regular complaints of viral fever and cold.

“Organisms such as bacteria thrive due to sudden change of weather, fluctuation in temperature and the highly humid air. The most common infection that raises its head during the rains is urinary tract infection (UTI),” said Dr BS Bansal of RG Stone Hospital. UTI is infection in the urethra, bladder or kidneys, which comprises the urinary tract. “E Coli bacteria causes UTI most of the time, but the infection can be prevented,” he said.

According to Indian Medical Association executive member Dr Rama Srivastava, maintaining adequate intake of liquid is one way of avoiding infection. “Drinking water and fluids help drain out germs from the body,” he said.

Avoiding food on street is yet another way to keep monsoon ailments at bay, said Dr Srivastava.

Diet Mantra director Sachin Singh advises that blueberry juice is one of the most effective remedies to keep urinary tract infection at bay. Notably, blueberry has the property to restrict and prevent growth of UTI causing bacteria.

The symptoms of UTI include pain or burning sensation while urinating, frequent and urgent need to urinate, pain in the lower abdomen, nausea and vomiting.

“Patients suffering from UTI can eat a cupful of pineapple regularly. Hot water fomentation on the lower abdomen also helps reduce the pain caused by the infection,” Singh said.