Pune: Gastroenteritis is a common disease in young children. In view of the growing prevalence of coronavirus pandemic in the country, citizens need to stay at home and observe social distance as well as maintain hygiene. However, even in such cases, the use of unhygienic sanitisers, unclean water used for washing vegetables is also one of the invitations for such diseases.
Due to the low immunity in young children, the incidence of diseases caused by contaminated water has increased. Hospitals in Pune have seen an increase in complaints of diseases like gastroenteritis, with a higher proportion of children.
Prompt and appropriate treatment under the guidance of a paediatrician helps your child to recover from this disease. ORS, zinc and probiotics should be used for the management of gastroenteritis. To prevent the spread of the virus, clean boiled and cooled water and properly cooked food should be used, said Dr Anshu Sethu Apollo Clinic, Pune.
Talking to Sakal Times Dr Anshu Sethi, said, " The microorganisms that cause gastroenteritis are easily spread by contaminated food or water and by person-to-person contact. With seasonal changes, children under five years of age and especially under 6 months have a higher risk of gastrointestinal disease. Immediate medical help in case of symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, loose movements, fever, loss of appetite, persistent dehydration, swollen eyes, lethargy, loss of blood in the stool and even urination."
Infections of viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites cause gastroenteritis. In addition to contaminated water, the infection can be caused by stale food, food prepared in unhygienic places, and food kept in the open. Diarrhoea is one of the major symptoms of gastroenteritis.
Patients with this disease experience abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea in the early stages of the disease.
The problem starts in the next 12 to 72 hours after the contaminated water or unclean food enters the stomach. In some patients the symptoms are severe. Even 20 to 30 vomits a day and the same amount of diarrhoea.
