Earlier-than-usual heatwave... increase in patients with acute gastroenteritis

There are really many children here with enteritis..

Adults should be careful too.

Our daughter is really suffering badly ㅠㅠ

 

----------

Due to the earlier heatwave compared to previous years, cases of bacterial enteritis and food poisoning are increasing rapidly. Eating food improperly in the hot weather can lead to severe dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhea, and may result in complications.

 

[Photo=Clipart Korea]

 

According to the statistics from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service's 'Public Interest Disease' report, 5,791,708 patients visited medical institutions for enteritis in 2022. In particular, the numbers are concentrated in June (607,089 patients) and July (698,420 patients). This is the time of year when the highest number of enteritis cases occurs.

Moreover, this year, the heatwave arrived earlier. The Korea Meteorological Administration announced, "Currently, a heatwave warning is in effect for most areas of Gyeonggi Province, and a heat alert has been issued for some regions including Seoul." This suggests that the risk of a surge in acute gastroenteritis has increased this year.

According to Bongsaeng Memorial Hospital (Chairman Kim Nam-hee) on the 21st, the number of patients with enteritis visiting the hospital has increased by approximately 30% compared to June of last year. Gastroenterology Department Head Kim Seok-hoon stated, "Summer enteritis is often caused by the consumption of spoiled food, but many cases also occur from exposure to bacteria or viruses in water contaminated by swimming pools, streams, or the sea while avoiding the heat."

 

 

Acute enteritis (gastroenteritis or infectious diarrhea) is a disease characterized by inflammation of the intestine, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloody stool, and fever. Some types of enteritis are contagious and can be transmitted to others, while others are not infectious.

 

In most cases, adequate rest and fluid intake are sufficient for recovery when suffering from enteritis. However, patients with underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, or kidney disease, as well as infants, young children, and elderly seniors, often experience more severe symptoms of enteritis.

 

If a high fever rises above 38°C and persists for a day or two, or if severe diarrhea occurring more than six times a day, bloody stool, severe abdominal pain, or vomiting accompany it, you should visit a hospital. Take medication as prescribed by a doctor and receive treatment. Manager Kim Seok-hoon <photo> said, "If high fever is accompanied by severe abdominal pain, there is a possibility that the intestinal mucosa has been damaged."

 

[Photo = Bongsaeng Memorial Hospital]

 

Since dehydration can occur rapidly due to diarrhea or vomiting, it is advisable to drink plenty of fluids and consume beverages containing electrolytes. Especially until symptoms improve, avoid spicy or greasy foods at all costs.

 

Still, prevention is the best approach for summer diarrhea. Above all, personal hygiene is essential, as well as thoroughly cooking ingredients at high temperatures, and paying attention to food management by using separate utensils for different foods.

 

Yoon Sung-chul syoon@kormedi.com