Prevent gastroenteritis, say no to spicy street food: Doctors

LUCKNOW: Monsoon has just set in, and already cases of gastroenteritis have started emerging in the state capital.

Patients complaining stomach ache and nausea syndrome are visiting hospital OPDs and in the coming days the number might increase if they do not take adequate precaution, warn doctors.

“Gastro problems have a direct link with the hygiene standards people follow. Poor habits lead to problems such as pain in the abdomen,” said Dr Vinod Jain, senior faculty with KGMU.

Doctors across private hospitals in the city also say they are witnessing considerable rise in the number of gastro cases. “Monsoon is a time when one needs to be cautious about what they eat and where they eat,” said Dr Mudit Goyal, a private practitioner.

“Spicy and hot food, especially street food, should be avoided as it puts pressure on our metabolic system. Diseases such as jaundice and infective hepatitis are caused by poor food quality,” said Dr Jain.

Weather-related health problems also include joint pain as a result of sudden dip in temperatures. Joint pain is being experienced in patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and the pain affects hips, knees, elbows, shoulders and hand joints.

“Joints contain sensory nerves that detect barometric changes. People with arthritic joints are more sensitive to the barometric changes,” said Dr Sandeep Kapoor, orthopaedic surgeon.

Research suggests high humidity combined with low barometric pressure are associated with increased joint pain and stiffness. There might be other reasons too, he said.

Doctors suggested that if a person is having the initial symptoms of gastroenteritis or problem with the joint they should consult doctor to prevent any aggravation of the problem due to neglect.