Tag: Gastroenterologist

A Surge in Gastric Problems Bloating, Gas, Acidity and Indigestion During the Moist Months: Caution Doctors
Health, News

A Surge in Gastric Problems Bloating, Gas, Acidity and Indigestion During the Moist Months: Caution Doctors

Jul 27, 2021 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments #Apollo Spectra Hospital, #Director and Gastroenterologist, #Dr. Keyur Sheth, #Dr. Roy Patankar, #Gastroenterologist, #Mumbai, #Zen Multispeciality Hospital

Mumbai: – Monsoon is often pleasing! But it also brings along a host of diseases, infections, and allergies. The digestive system is attacked during the rainy season and gastric problems such as acidity, bloating, indigestion, gastroenteritis, ulcers and gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) are some of the common problems that people encounter. It is the need of the hour to stick to a well-balanced diet, exercise daily, avoid junk, spicy and oily food, and drink boiled water.

Monsoon is synonymous with gastric problems. The digestive system and immunity take a major hit during these moist months. “We have always seen surge of patients with stomach, intestine and liver infections during rainy season. Patients have suddenly increased due to infections through food and water.

Globally, Infectious GI Disease and dehydration remain leading causes of mortality, responsible for an estimated 4,50,000 annual Deaths. More than 1000 patients come to the hospital every month for treatment of gastric problems. Eating heavy foods can slow down the digestion process inviting problems like bloating, gas, acidity, and indigestion. Eating chat or having juice from the streets can lead to a stomach infection as the water used to prepare it may contain bacteria. Even drinking water from other sources apart from the sealed bottles and water purifiers will make you fall sick and you may suffer from diarrhoea. Avoid fizzy drinks as they reduce enzyme activity and lead to mineral loss by weakening the digestive system. Say NO dairy products like milk as they take time to digest and are heavy on the gut,” said Dr. Keyur Sheth, Gastroenterologist, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Mumbai.

The humid weather during the rainy season makes the entire digestive system sluggish. Consumption of contaminated food with bacteria, toxins, and parasites is unpalatable for the digestive system. This may lead to gastroenteritis that is an infection of the bowel also known as food poisoning or the tummy bug. Many patients complain of vomiting, nausea, gases, chronic constipation, ulcerative colitis, gastritis, and gut sensitivity issues. GI issues considerable high. Almost we are seeing around 15 patients every day with irregular sleep and diet.” Dr Roy Patankar, Director and Gastroenterologist, Zen Multispeciality Hospital.

“Here are some vital tips to ensure smooth working of the digestive system during monsoon. “Avoid eating seafood as the water gets contaminated during monsoon and eating fish can cause cholera or diarrhoea. Do not eat cut fruits from the roadside as they can be contaminated with bacteria. Avoid green leafy vegetables as they will be loaded with germs, eat in moderation, opt for lighter foods that are gut-friendly and can be easily digested. Include ginger and lemon in the diet to enhance digestion and immunity,” said Dr Sheth.

“Eat a lot of probiotics like yogurt or buttermilk as they contain good bacteria that act on our digestive system and support the immune system. Drink a lot of water to flush out toxins from the body and improve digestion. Eat steamed or boiled vegetables instead of the raw ones as the latter ones will be jam-packed with bacteria and viruses making it worse for your gut. Do not eat refined sugar as it may cause inflammation and upset the gut flora balance, say NO to fried and oily foods that cause, acidity and bloating. Do not lie immediately after eating food as you may suffer from acidity, too much stress is bad for your digestive system so stay stress-free and exercise at home on a daily basis,” concluded Dr Patankar.

Monsoon
Business World

Monsoon Malady: Know Why Waterborne Diseases Are On The Rise + Vital Tips To Tackle Them By Dr. Gaurav Patil, Gastroenterologist, Global Hospital, Mumbai.

Aug 11, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Dr. Gaurav Patil, #Gastroenterologist, #Global Hospital, #Mumbai., #Waterborne Diseases

The COVID-19 pandemic has confronted the whole world with urgent and unsolved challenges, claiming more than half a million lives, sparing no region. As India continues to step up its capacities to prevent further spread of COVID- 19, we have entered the phase of Monsoon. Although it comes as a pleasant change, one cannot overlook the host of seasonal diseases accompanying the heavy showers. Disease such as Dengue, malaria, Hepatitis and typhoid can give a tough time to people. Hence, it is time they should safeguard themselves against these diseases, and stay hale and hearty.

Every year we see a spurt of monsoon maladies and this year too we are reeling under the burden of gastrointestinal diseases. While Malaria and Dengue continue to prevail, water-borne diseases like diarrhoea, jaundice, typhoid are raging all over. Most of these cases are seen from crowded pockets of the city, especially with improper hygiene and water drainage facilities. Besides, the consumption of unwashed raw fruits and vegetables and street food increases the risk of getting sick.

Be watchful of these symptoms

· Several cases of stomach flu or viral gastroenteritis crop up wherein the patients suffer from loose stools, cramps abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting for a few days. This can lead to the risk of dehydration and toxic symptoms. If left unattended this can lead to the risk of dehydration and toxic symptoms
· Sometimes Bacteria like E.coli, Salmonella enter the body through contaminated food and water and cause fever, swelling in the intestines leading to blood and mucus in the stool; many of such cases require hospitalization.
Adhere to these preventive measures
· As we all know by now, prevention is the name of the game. Stick to boiled water as much as possible; avoid raw, uncooked or stale food which has been left open for a long time.
· Maintaining hygiene not just self-care but liberal washing of food and utensils limits the risk of infection.
· If symptoms develop, we advise consuming plenty of rehydrating liquids namely homemade ORS which is extremely easy to make and highly potent.
· One must avoid beverages or aerated drinks which may worsen the symptoms by increasing the stool volume. Avoiding spicy, oily, or processed food can be beneficial and provide the gut adequate rest to recuperate.
· Probiotics like curds, yoghurt have an extremely beneficial effect in treating such cases and can be consumed at home.
· Avoid self-medicating with antibiotics as the majority of cases are due to a viral cause and are self-limiting.
· If there is fever, excessive vomiting, mucus, or blood in stools one must immediately consult a physician for further advice. Hospitalization is needed in such situations.

Kids and the elderly are at a higher risk of suffering from such complications of such diseases thereby making it sure they eat and drink right all the time. Sometimes patients who have chronic intestinal problems like IBS or IBD Inflammatory bowel disease may experience worsening of their symptoms, in which case it is essential to discuss with the primary physician.

Takeaway: It is essential to take note of the symptoms of dengue, malaria, hepatitis, and typhoid as early as possible. Avoid delaying the treatment and seek immediate medical attention.