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Be careful in the monsoons...

Monsoons have always been synonymous with infections that send your stomach for a toss. We narrow the ailments down to the five most common stomach-related infections to watch out for.

Gastroenteritis

In simple terms, it is referred to as the stomach flu. The E coli bacterium mostly causes the intestinal infection that results in the inflammation of the gastro-intestinal track.

Thankfully, the disease is generally self-limiting, which means it requires no treatment apart from keeping the patient rehydrated. However, one symptom that calls for immediate medical attention is the patient's inability to pass urine. This happens in extreme cases of dehydration and a kidney shutdown could also follow.

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, abdominal pain, dehydration.

Hepatitis

Rates of Hepatitis A and E witness a rise at this time of year since the liver-related disease spreads essentially through contaminated food. Because the liver is attached to the gastro-intestinal tract, the symptoms are also largely stomach-related. Though the symptoms subside significantly within a week, complete recovery takes anywhere from three to six weeks and in extreme cases, it can go up to 12 weeks.

The good news is that you can be infected with these viruses only once in a lifetime, as the body develops immunity upon recovery. It is most likely to infect children in the age group of five to 15. Largely, this is also a self-limiting disease and requires only symptomatic medication.

Yet, consulting the doctor is essential as the disease may take a fatal turn in pregnant women, as also those people with a weak immune system. A word of caution – be wary of herbal medicines. Many of these medications, which claim to 'cure' hepatitis instantly, are packed with steroids which can cause permanent and severe damage to the intestines and the liver.

Symptoms : Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and fever.

Typhoid

Caused by a particular strain of bacteria referred to as salmonella typhi, this disease is essentially caused by poor hygiene; more specifically caused by eating food handled by an infected person. Untreated cases can result in severe complication and even death.

The general course of treatment consists of antibiotics for a prolonged period of two weeks or more. An intra-muscular vaccine to fight typhoid is available in India. However, this vaccine may not be advisable for all, due to possible side-effects and repercussions.

Symptoms : Fever, headache, abdominal pain, diarrhoea.

Leptospirosis

It is transmitted via the urine of an infected animal. It spreads when we wade through contaminated water, and enters the body through cracks in the skin. To a lesser extent, it can also strike via consumption of contaminated food.

Leptospirosis also affects the liver and hence, manifests itself as a bad case of jaundice. Only a trained eye can diagnose it correctly. Prompt treatment in the form of antibiotics is essential because if it goes untreated, it could lead to kidney failure or multi-organ dysfunction.

Symptoms: Fever, body ache, jaundice, lung problem.

Malaria

It is caused by a parasite and transmitted via the bite of an infected mosquito. The parasites multiply in the liver, and infect red blood cells. If not treated, malaria can quickly become life-threatening by disrupting the blood supply to vital organs.

Symptoms : Fever, headache, vomiting, jaundice.

Stay away from:

Filth : Since hygiene is further compromised during monsoons due to stagnant water, etc.

Flies : Stagnant water serves as breeding ground for mosquitoes, flies and other disease-bearing insects.

Formides : This medical term essentially refers to anything and everything that spreads infections. For instance, the drainage pipes are sometimes placed very close to the drinking water pipes. Since the pipes are porous, the water often seeps from one pipe to the other, causing infections.

Fingers : This self-explanatory term refers to infections that are spread via indirect touch. For instance, a chef who hasn't washed his hands before cooking can spread infection.

It's important to...

Wash vegetables thoroughly before cooking. Also give road-side stalls a miss.

Boil water thoroughly before drinking. Avoid outside beverages mixed with water, such as fresh lime water, diluted juices, chutneys, etc.

Have a bath immediately after returning drenched from the rain, to avoid leptospirosis.

Use mosquito repellents to reduce your chances of contracting malaria.