May 18, 2018

Among all the seasons of nature, the summer season causes most discomfort to the human race and also to the animal planet either by causing physical ailments or by setting loose disasters upon the environment.

Introduction

During summer season there is extreme heat causing hyperthermia to the body. There are a variety of heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke and heat exhaustion, heat cramps etc. which develop in the summer season. Other heat-related health problems include heat rash and sunburn, gastrointestinal disorders

The people who are at greatest risk of heat-related illness:
• Infants and children up to four years of age
• People 65 years of age or older
• People who are overweight
• People who overexert during work or exercise
• People who are ill or on certain medications

1) Summer Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is characterized by frequent loose or liquid evacuation from bowel. The loss of fluids through diarrhea can cause severe dehydration which is one of the causes of death in diarrhea sufferers. Along with water, sufferers also lose dangerous amounts of important salts, electrolytes, and other nutrients. Diarrhoea commonly results from gastroenteritis caused by viral infections, parasites or bacterial toxins. However, for ill or malnourished individuals diarrhea can lead to severe dehydration and can become life-threatening without treatment.

These days diarrhoea can be a consequence of water scarcity everywhere.

Medical supervision is required for the following types of diarrhoea:
• Diarrhoea in infants
• Moderate or severe diarrhea in young children
• Diarrhoea associated with blood
• Diarrhoea that continues for more than two days
• Diarrhoea that is associated with more general illness such as non-cramping abdominal pain, fever, weight loss etc
• Diarrhoea in travelers
• Diarrhoea in food handlers, because of the potential to infect others
• Diarrhoea in institutions such as hospitals, child care centers, or geriatric and convalescent homes

General Management

Maintain fluid intake using oral rehydration therapy
Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) can be given

2) Food Poisoning

Food-borne illnesses affect millions of people each year. Particularly vulnerable to these infections are young children, the elderly, pregnant women and persons with chronic or serious illnesses, whose immune systems are already weakened.

Causes of food poisoning:

Most food-borne illnesses are caused by eating food containing certain types of bacteria or viruses. Foods can also cause illness if they contain a toxin or poison produced by bacteria growing in food.

Symptoms of food poisoning:

Unfortunately, most cases of food poisoning mimic gastroenteritis, and many people with mild cases of food poisoning think they have the “stomach flu.” However, the onset of symptoms is usually very sudden and abrupt, often within hours of eating the contaminated food. The following are the most common symptoms of food poisoning. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• Abdominal cramps
• Watery and/or bloody diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Fever
• Abdominal distention and gas

How can food poisoning be prevented?

• Thoroughly wash hands before handling food
• Wash hands after using the toilet, changing diapers, and smoking, blowing the nose, coughing, or sneezing
• Wash hands after touching raw meat, seafood, poultry, or eggs before working with any other foods
• Do not use wooden cutting boards for cutting raw fish, poultry, or meat
• Thoroughly clean any surface or utensil after each use
• Cook poultry and eggs thoroughly before eating
• Do not eat or drink foods made from raw or undercooked eggs, poultry, meat, or un-pasteurized milk, or other dairy products made from un-pasteurized milk
• Avoid cross-contamination of foods by keeping cooked food and ready-to-eat food separate from uncooked meats and raw eggs

Mild cases of food poisoning are often treated as gastroenteritis, with fluid replacement and control of nausea and vomiting being the primary focus. However, in serious cases of food poisoning, hospitalization may be necessary.

3) Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is identifiable by heavy sweating, rapid pulse, dizziness, and fatigue, muscle cramps, nausea and headache.

General Management

1. Drink plenty of fluid (avoid caffeine and alcohol)
2. Remove any tight or unnecessary clothing
3. Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath
4. Apply other cooling measures such as fans or ice towel
5. Avoid vigorous physical activities in hot and humid weather
6. Wear hats and light-colored, lightweight, loose clothes

3) Summer Rashes/Boils

Among all the skin problems those develops in the summer season most important is skin rash skin rashes are seen as a small red spots in places where sweat collects, such as the armpits, back, chest, groin, etc.

Heat rash is caused by a blockage and inflammation of sweat ducts in heat and high humidity, and seen in people who have excessive sweating which causes:
• Tiny red spots
• An irritating itch and prickling sensation
• Redness and mild swelling of the affected area

General Management

Take cold water bath or Luke warm water bath twice a day
Prickly heat powders can be used

4) Urinary Tract Infection

It is more common in summer days. Especially due to excessive sweating and reduced water intake

General Advice

Drink at least 2-3 litres of water per day
Avoid spicy irritating food
Avoid alcohol, Non- veg foods like chicken

Homoeopathic system of medicine aims at promoting and preserving health by reinforcing body’s own natural healing capacity. The medicines aim to work on the immune system thus improving health.

Homoeopathic treatment can be undertaken by people who have a weak immune system and who tend to fall ill easily. The treatment helps in boosting the immune system so that the body is able to fight with infections and diseases more effectively.

The homoeopathic system of medicine is safe and based on the individual constitution and totality of expressions. It believes in holistic, totalistic and individualistic mode through the well known constitutional approach which forms the corner stone of homoeopathic practice

Contact:

Dr Deepa Pais,
Assistant professor, Department of Pathology
Fr Muller Homoeopathic Medical College,
Mangaluru
Mob: 9880048538
Email: deeparebello21@gmail.com

Clinic address:

Divine Homeopathic Clinic,
2nd Floor, Kunil Complex,
Bendoorwell, Mangaluru