Heat, contaminated food & water trigger gut infections

Bhopal: City hospitals are reporting a sharp rise in gastrointestinal disorders, with OPDs seeing increased cases linked to eating out, dehydration and pre-monsoon heat and humidity. Doctors say contaminated food and water, along with unsafe eating habits in hot conditions, are driving the surge, which is also pushing up overall patient load across major hospitals.District Hospital mirrors the trend, with overall OPD footfall up due to heat-related woes. Infections from tainted food and water complicate matters further, striking harder as temperatures climb. District Civil Surgeon Dr Sanjay Jain revealed that gastro patients dominate daily OPDs, fueled by increased eating out in sweltering conditions."Warm, moist conditions fuel gastro spikes across all ages," cautioned local physician Dr Rajiv Singh. While routine for some, the crisis alarms experts for those with comorbidities. Primary care often falls short, prompting referrals to tertiary centers.Gastrocare director and gastroenterologist Dr Sanjay Kumar highlighted the perils. The situation turns dire for vulnerable groups. Patients with diarrhoea risk severe dehydration, progressing to irreversible renal failure in some cases. "The elderly, especially those with diabetes or other predispositions, often need IPD admission for kidney complications when primary care fails," said Dr Sanjay Kumar, director and gastroenterologist at Gastrocare.Authorities recommend scrutinizing FSSAI displays before dining, avoiding raw salads and street eats during humid peaks, boiling water, and lodging complaints via the food safety app. Public awareness campaigns emphasize handwashing and proper storage to stem the tide.