Blame rising diarrhoea cases on poor hygiene
Contaminated water, food are main causes of stomach infection
The rising number of stomach infection cases in the city is a cause for worry.
As DNA hygiene campaign gains momentum, the data collected from municipal hospitals show that the number of people affected by diarrhoea has increased in the past three years, especially during monsoon.
Praja Foundation, a Mumbai-based voluntary organisation that works on urban and civic issues, collected data from 25 BMC hospitals, four state hospitals and BMC dispensaries under Right to Information Act. According to the data, the number of diarrhoea cases registered in the municipal dispensaries and municipal hospitals from April 2010 to March 2011 was 1,25,976.
During April 2009 to March 2010, there were 1,16,292 cases and 81,321 cases were registered from April 2008 to March 2009.
The pattern of rising number of diarrhoea cases has been seen in private hospitals too. "We had seen 25% to 30% rise in diarrhoea cases in winters too. Contaminated food products and water are the main reasons for diarrhoea cases," said Dr Pratit Samdhani, consulting physician, Jaslok Hospital.
Stomach infection is considered a minor illness but it can knock one person out of action for three days. "It leaves you weak. Every day, we get at least two patients with acute gastroenteritis," said Dr Devendra Desai, consulting gastroenterologist, PD Hinduja Hospital.
The hospital reports 60 stomach infection cases a month. Being a referral hospital, doctor say they get only acute stomach infection cases. "Sixty cases a month can just be the tip of an iceberg," added Dr Desai.
Kitchen hygiene and source of water are causes of most stomach infection cases. "In canteens, an organisation should ensure that the hygiene and stool of the canteen staff is checked regularly. This is to check that they don't have salmonella and shigella. Stomach infection can happen to anyone. We get stomach infection cases from those having street food and also those who dine at a five-star hotel," said Dr Desai.
Stomach infection due to water contamination is rampant in the city.
"People should avoid drinking water outside and ensure that the source of water is safe. Avoid eating water-based products like chutneys, sauce and milk products outside," Dr Desai said.
Along with having salads and fruit plates from outside, people should avoid eating food kept in the fridge for long time.
"Salads and fruit plates are notorious in causing stomach infection," Dr Desai added.
Collegians and office goers are more prone to stomach infection. While a majority of people gets better in 48 to 72 hours, some require to be admitted to hospitals after they suffer from loose motion and severe vomiting. Stomach infection can lead to low blood pressure.
Contaminated water, food are main causes of stomach infection
The rising number of stomach infection cases in the city is a cause for worry.
As DNA hygiene campaign gains momentum, the data collected from municipal hospitals show that the number of people affected by diarrhoea has increased in the past three years, especially during monsoon.
Praja Foundation, a Mumbai-based voluntary organisation that works on urban and civic issues, collected data from 25 BMC hospitals, four state hospitals and BMC dispensaries under Right to Information Act. According to the data, the number of diarrhoea cases registered in the municipal dispensaries and municipal hospitals from April 2010 to March 2011 was 1,25,976.
During April 2009 to March 2010, there were 1,16,292 cases and 81,321 cases were registered from April 2008 to March 2009.
The pattern of rising number of diarrhoea cases has been seen in private hospitals too. "We had seen 25% to 30% rise in diarrhoea cases in winters too. Contaminated food products and water are the main reasons for diarrhoea cases," said Dr Pratit Samdhani, consulting physician, Jaslok Hospital.
Stomach infection is considered a minor illness but it can knock one person out of action for three days. "It leaves you weak. Every day, we get at least two patients with acute gastroenteritis," said Dr Devendra Desai, consulting gastroenterologist, PD Hinduja Hospital.
The hospital reports 60 stomach infection cases a month. Being a referral hospital, doctor say they get only acute stomach infection cases. "Sixty cases a month can just be the tip of an iceberg," added Dr Desai.
Kitchen hygiene and source of water are causes of most stomach infection cases. "In canteens, an organisation should ensure that the hygiene and stool of the canteen staff is checked regularly. This is to check that they don't have salmonella and shigella. Stomach infection can happen to anyone. We get stomach infection cases from those having street food and also those who dine at a five-star hotel," said Dr Desai.
Stomach infection due to water contamination is rampant in the city.
"People should avoid drinking water outside and ensure that the source of water is safe. Avoid eating water-based products like chutneys, sauce and milk products outside," Dr Desai said.
Along with having salads and fruit plates from outside, people should avoid eating food kept in the fridge for long time.
"Salads and fruit plates are notorious in causing stomach infection," Dr Desai added.
Collegians and office goers are more prone to stomach infection. While a majority of people gets better in 48 to 72 hours, some require to be admitted to hospitals after they suffer from loose motion and severe vomiting. Stomach infection can lead to low blood pressure.
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