HEALTH

How to prevent cholera, gastroenteritis

Cholera is an acute infection which spreads in contaminated water. It usually occurs only in areas where hygiene and sanitary conditions are poor. It is an extremely serious, highly infectious and often fatal bacterial infection of the intestines. The infection is caused by germ vibrio choleae. In the endemic areas children below five years are its easy victims, while during an epidemic the disease has no age restriction. Cholera is contracted through the mouth by eating infected food or drinking water. The cholera germs does not survive long in clean water and is very easily killed by heat.

The first signs and symptoms of cholera are loose stools which appear like rice water. In few hours the process of loose stools continues in quick succession. Vomiting generally follows loose stool. The whole body becomes cold and despite feeling so the patient cannot tolerate any sheet or cover on his body. Both the stools and vomit of the patient contain a large amount of cholera germs. Due to the loss of a large amount of fluid from the body, the eyes are shrunken and skin all over the body loses its normal elasticity and looks as if tightly stretched over the underlying tissues; the bones of the face become very prominent. The mouth and the tongue are dry and there will be extreme thirst. The voice becomes husky. Diarrhoea is the main symptom of acute enteritis. Bowel movements are frequent. The patient complaints of poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and flatulence. The body temperature rises and the arterial pressure falls in severe cases.

Enteritis is inflammation of the small intestines. Many factors are responsible for the onset of the disease. The most common factors are: Overeating or eating spoiled food, poisoned mushrooms and industrial poisons.

Prevention & remedy

Bed rest is recommended in cholera and gastroenteritis. Water for drinking should always be boiled.

Cleanliness is the most important and preventive factor. Cut your nails; everyday living and dietary habits must be clean and hygienic; keep all food items and drinking water well covered; deposit of water should not be allowed; special attention should be given for cleaning toilets and bathrooms; in the rural areas water from the open ponds, canals and dirty wells should not be used; wash your hands and utensils before preparing other food; and raw vegetables should not be eaten unless they have been soaked in salt water for at least 15 minutes before cooking.

Water and tea are recommended during the first two days. Rusks, vegetables, dal soup, rice water and bananas are prescribed for the third, fourth and fifth day. They should be eaten six to eight times a day in small portions. Dehydration is managed through ORS (oral rehydration solution).

Drink fresh limewater till the virulence of the diseases subsides. For gastroenteritis patients, food should be highly caloric and rich in proteins and vitamins. Avoid salads, over-ripe or unripe fruits, outside eating, spicy food, alcohol, coffee and dairy products for a few days. Use appropriate chemicals to ward of flies and mosquitoes. If cholera and gastroenteritis continues then consult your doctor immediately.
— Dr Anil Dheer

Health Minister’s statement hailed
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, July 10
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has welcomed the statement of the Union Health Minister to give capital punishment to the manufacturers of spurious drugs. Dr Gursharan Singh, president of the district unit of the IMA, said today that the drug companies were also responsible to some extent. Knowing well that their products were available in duplicate form, they did not pursue the matter fearing that the sale of their product would come down if such a thing was made public.

The IMA suggested that the companies could also devise many other methods like changing the wrappers, colours and delivery system repeatedly so as to avoid duplicity.

The IMA also asked the minister to look into the matter of substandard equipment. It suggested that there should be a government body which should pass only those products which could be relied upon. 

Unhygienic fruit, vegetables destroyed
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, July 10
As a preventive step against epidemics, a team of the district Health Department, including the District Health Officer and Food Inspectors, collected samples of vanaspati ghee, tea, chatti lassi, etc. from various areas of the city today.

Dr S.N.Tiwari, Civil Surgeon, said today that unhygienic fruit and vegetables sold at many rehris and shops in the city had been destroyed by the team to strictly enforce the Epidemic Disease Act. He said the team would daily visit several areas in the city to do the needful.

The Civil Surgeon also warned that any vendor or shopkeeper found guilty for the second time would face strict action. The members of the team visited various localities to make people aware of the causes of water-borne diseases like gastroenteritis, jaundice and cholera and their prevention.

Meanwhile, Dr Tiwari claimed that no fresh case of gastroenteritis had been reported in the city in the past 24 hours.

Bronchoscopy saves girl’s life
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, July 10
Ramandeep Kaur (13) was blue, slightly unconscious and gasping for breath when brought to Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMCH) on June 26. She was suffering from respiratory distress and choking. Immediately, she was rushed to the operation theatre, where bronchoscopy was performed and a huge jamun seed was found lying in her windpipe. The foreign body was large and taking it out from the narrow windpipe without damaging the vocal cords was indeed a difficult task. 

However, with the team effort, right expertise, skill and good equipment, the team of CMCH’s anaesthetist and paediatric surgeons under the supervision of Dr V.P.Singh, managed to remove the seed and gave the child. Had the child not been brought immediately to CMCH, it could have cost her life. Although, some time was wasted as the parents did not know what to do and where to reach for help before bringing her to CMCH, the team of doctors carried out the procedure. Dr V.P.Singh said that at times, kids were brought after few days of inhaling the foreign bodies in their windpipe in much serious conditions.

Hockey training camp
Our Correspondent

Mandi Ahmedgarh, July 10
A hockey training camp was organised at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial National Senior Secondary School, here today. Kanwal Deep Singh, Indian hockey team goalkeeper, was the chief guest and gave tips on efficient goal keeping.

Before leaving for New Delhi to participate in a trial camp starting tomorrow, Kanwal Deep thanked the residents for giving him a warm reception.

Mr Narinder Gogna, president, Rotary Club, Mr Pardeep Sharda, Principal, Mr Jaswinder Sodhi, president, Ahmedgarh Sports Club, Ravinder and Mr D.R. Sharma spoke on the occasion, among others.