Diarrhoea, heat stroke cases rise

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, June 11

With summer season at its peak now, the Civil Hospital has started witnessing a number of patients affected with diarrhoea and heat stroke.

As per doctors at the hospital, the rise in temperature coupled with people’s disregard for hygiene and poor eating habits are the main reasons behind contracting diarrhoea and affected by heat stroke in this season.

For the past two weeks at the general OPD (outpatient department) unit of the government hospital, on an average 20-25 patients with diarrhoea and 8-10 patients affected with heat stroke problems are coming every day.

The doctors said as bacteria grew faster and people, especially those coming from villages (low socio-economic group), are not as much aware as how to maintain personal hygiene with right food and liquid diet.

However, doctors added that diarrhoea patients were common during the summer season and all these cases (approximately 20-25 daily) are from different parts of the district.

Talking to Bathinda Tribune, Dr Ramandeep Goyal, said, “We are witnessing a sizeable number of patients with diarrhoea and heat stroke visiting the general OPD unit for treatment these days. Approximately 20-25 patients with diarrhea and around 8-10 patients with heat stroke problems are visiting us on daily basis. Around three-four patients who require critical care are admitted to the Civil Hospital for three-four days before being discharged.”

Dr Goyal added, “Maintaining hygiene, avoiding food/snacks served in unhygienic conditions, less exposure to sun and drinking clean water can keep these diseases at bay.”

Excessive heat exposure coupled with sweating causes loss of fluid, thereby leading to heat stroke.

To avoid it, people must avoid exposure to heat, relax in cool place and consume salty liquids.

Avoiding alcohol, less exertion during the day and keeping oneself hydrated is also important.