Bengaluru sees rise in gastrointestinal infection cases

BENGALURU: The city has been witnessing a spurt in gastrointestinal infections.
“We are seeing a three-fold increase in cases now, compared to last month,” says Dr Dheeraj Karanth C, a consultant gastroenterologist and hepatologist at Manipal Hospitals, Miller’s Road.

Typical symptoms of gastrointestinal infections include abdominal pain, loose motions, vomiting and loss of appetite.The infection is more prevalent among children who are bottle-fed, says Dr Harish Kumar, clinical lead, department of paediatrics, neonatology and paediatric sub-specialities, Aster CMI Hospital.
Gastrointestinal infections affect the small intestine and are caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites like amoeba. Eight-month-old Nikhil (name changed) had dysentery-diarrhoea with blood. “Blood in stool is a typical symptom of a bacterial infection,” explains Dr Supraja Chandrasekar, consultant paediatrician and paediatric intensivist at DHEE Hospitals. Viral infections are more common, she adds.
Dr Parvesh Jain, professor of medico gastroenterology, Institute of Gastroenterology and Organ Transplant, says contaminated food and water can lead to gastrointestinal infections. Most gastrointestinal infections are waterborne and they are transmitted through fecal oral route, wherein pathogens are transmitted via the faeces of the infected person to the mouth of another person.
Health commissioner D Randeep attributes the rise in stomach flu to jathres (fairs) and contamination of water supply sources. The change in weather has also contributed to the rise in infections, say experts.
Dr Lorance Peter, director, gastroenterology and hepatology at Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru, points out that infections due to water contamination are common in the city due to the poor quality of sanitation and sewage treatment. “Poor food hygiene practices are also a matter of concern,” he says adding people who cook and serve food in restaurants should be trained in hygiene and safety. “Schools have restarted. That has also led to the surge in infections,” says Dr Kumar.
Remedies for diarrhoea
Hardly 2% of patients with gastroenteritis would need antibiotics, Dr Kumar said. However, one should be mindful of signs of dehydration. “Diarrhoea causes loss of water and electrolytes. Children with gastrointestinal infections are particularly at risk of dehydration as they don’t compensate for the loss of water. So parents must ensure the child has a lot of water and liquids. Curd and buttermilk are also helpful. Tender coconut is a fantastic ORS. It’s natural too,” says Dr Kumar, adding it is better to avoid milk during the episode of gastroenteritis.
“It is best to have ORS tender coconut water or non-sugary home-made juices like apple and orange to prevent dehydration. Antacids and anti-emetics help during the excess vomiting stage. Milk should be avoided. Breast milk can be continued,” suggests Dr Chandrasekar.
Diet is crucial. Avoid anything with high fibre, including fruits and vegetables or heavy-to-digest foods like dairy and oily items. Speaking about precautionary measures, experts say it is also important to maintain hygiene.