Liv Hospital Gastroenterology Specialist Dr. Instructor See. Ekrem Aslan talked about the tricks of preventing diarrhea, especially in summer. Especially in summer, viruses and bacteria that we get from the environment as a result of consumption of water sold outside that are not protected in a cold environment invite diarrhea.
As the air temperature rises in summer, people’s need for water increases, as do all living things. Bacteria and virus contamination from the environment is also facilitated as a result of consuming unprotected waters of unknown origin, foods that are not protected in a cold environment, and foods sold outside.
Bacteria and Viruses are Diarrhea’s Worst Enemy!
Bowel movements increase with diarrhea. Digestion cannot be completed, so stools are more frequent and watery than usual. Bacteria and viruses take the first place among the causes of diarrhea. The most valuable and common is diarrhea due to viruses. In addition, various drugs, antibiotics, some stomach and intestinal diseases, some hormonal diseases, a lot of stress-excitement, travels, changes in eating and drinking habits, coastal waters entered for swimming, water swallowed in streams and lakes also cause diarrhea.
What are the Symptoms of Diarrhea?
Passing more than three stools in a day, loose stools or watery consistency; nausea, abdominal pain (especially around the navel or in the lower abdomen), fever, blood and/or mucus appearance in the stool, feeling of not being able to fully relax even though stool is done, feeling of thirst due to excessive water loss and dry mouth, dizziness, darkening of the eyes, dry skin may have symptoms such as the eyes appearing sunken. In more severe cases, urinary incontinence, heart failure and loss of consciousness may occur due to the deterioration of the kidneys.
Early Diagnosis Valuable for Treatment
Initially, it should be stopped eating fruits and vegetables, following the amount of fluid lost and compensating for the loss by drinking water, ayran and mineral water as much as possible. Then you need to consult a doctor. Diarrhea can be in the form of microbial, parasitic, discontinuous or food poisoning. Treatment should be started as soon as possible according to the test result.
What are the Ways to Prevent Diarrhea? What to do?
-When purchasing food items, it should be ensured that they are produced and preserved in accordance with the cold chain rules. Particular attention should be paid to bruises on vegetables and fruits.
-To be more careful in raw foods, the vegetables should be cleaned, washed and then disinfected to destroy their germs.
-Cooked foods should be consumed without cooling, and food quality should not deteriorate with repeated heating attempts, and should be kept in the refrigerator until the temperature decreases to room temperature.
-It should be ensured that the drinking water is chlorinated or bottled hygienically when it boils.
