Little rain but monsoon ailments rise

Monsoon hasn’t been in full bloom but rain-related ailments are, if attendance in outpatient departments across city hospitals is any indication, reports Alifiya Khan.

Monsoon hasn’t been in full bloom but rain-related ailments are, if attendance in outpatient departments across city hospitals is any indication.

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There has already been a sharp rise in the number of stomach, viral and skin infections, which doctors are surprised at, given that it has not rained much.

“We are seeing a sharp increase in the number of stomach infections this season. This pattern is unusual, as generally numbers rise after heavy rainfall has started,” said Dr Deepak Jumani, a physician from Goregaon.

“During heavy rains, sewage gets mixed with drinking water which contributes to rise. Also this year gastro infections are slightly more severe,” he added.

Intensive care expert at Hinduja hospital Dr Khusrav Bajan said that besides a nearly forty percent increase in gastro-intestinal infections since last monsoon, the severity is alarming.

“Pattern is different, cases are more acute. Some patients needed admission to intensive care unit, some had renal failure. Some walked in a state of disorientation, which is surprising in these cases,” said Dr Bajan.

Dr Vijay Punjabi, president of Indian Medical Association, Maharashtra, felt rising viral and skin infections were evident. “There was a need to be extra careful about food and hygiene,” he said.

Washing hands and legs at regular intervals and taking care of skin is must as increased humidity and changed climatic conditions have led to spurt in skin ailments. “I have seen many cases of fungal skin infections. Increased humidity has lead to easy spread of these ailments,” said Dr Hemant Thacker, physician, Jaslok Hospital.