Ludhiana, June 5
Medical experts have advised the field workers not to remain empty stomach for long and consume a lot of fluid before exposing the body to sunlight. The heat wave, which has swept most of the northern states, has claimed two lives in this part of the region. Experts at the Agrometeorology Department of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) say that the increased temperature will persist till rains bring respite.

Dr Rajoo S.Chhina, Medical Superintendent, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, said the inflow of heat stroke patients had increased in the recent days. “The OPD is witnessing a rush of patients these days. Many patients with high fever, severe headache and increased pulse rate are coming to the hospital daily. High temperature, lack of body fluids and excessive exposure to the sunlight cause the stroke. One should drink plenty of water, and wear light-coloured loose cotton clothes to avoid stroke. If possible one should stay at properly ventilated places”, said Dr Chhina.

Dr Wahegurupal Singh, Medical Superintendent, Guru Teg Bahadur Charitable Hospital, said labourers should be more cautious while working in the fields. “The city is sizzling at 45 °C. People, before moving out, should cover their heads to avoid direct sunrays. In case of stroke, the patient should be taken indoors immediately. His clothes should be removed and the patient should be comforted with ice-packs. He should be given nimbu-paani and water instead of supersaturated fluids (soft drinks). In case of unconsciousness and convulsions, the doctor should be immediately consulted”, said Dr Wahegurupal Singh.

The Civil Surgeon, Ludhiana, Dr S.N.Tiwari, says every year, the number of such cases goes up during summers. Prevention is better than cure. “While going out for work, plenty of liquids should be taken. Though the inflow of patients has increased but not to an alarming proportion”, he stressed.

Diarrhoea occurs when the intestines push stools through before the water in them can be re-absorbed by the body. Diarrhoea is mostly caused by gastroenteritis. Children who are weak and thin do not have the strength to fight diarrhoea. They get disease more easily and more often than healthy children. Dirty feeding bottles an cause diarrhoea. Flies carry germs.

Flies sit on stools and carry germs to the food you eat. Germs enter the body when you drink or bathe in dirty water. When children lick things or put dirty fingers in their mouths, the germs get into their bodies. These germs live in dust, dirty water and in people’s stools. Some medications, especially antibiotics, may also upset your digestive system. Emotional stress, anxiety or food intolerance may trigger this condition in some people.

Prevention and general remedies:

* Always keep food and drinking water covered. Keep flies away from the food.

* Wash your hands well after passing stool and also after cleaning your children following defecation.

* Do not throw garbage near the place where people get their drinking water.

* Cut your and your child’s nails short and keep them clean.

* Mother must wash her hands before feeding the children. Feed your child well at all times during diarrhoea. A well-fed child has the strength to fight against any illness.

* Give the child freshly prepared food. If that is not possible, heat the food well before giving it to the child.

* During diarrhoea take curd, boiled rice, khichdi, dalia and sooji kheer. Daal soup, lime water, coconut water, ripe banana and salted rice water.

* Drink boiled water. Purchase the special life-saving drink (ORS) from drug store and use according to the directions.

* Avoid salads and unripe fruits.

* Diarrhoea is very serious illness. Watch for these dangerous signs :

- If the child has many watery stools and vomits;

- the watery stools have blood and mucus in them;

- the child does not pass any urine;

- the child is drowsy or unconscious;

- the eyes are shrunken and dry;

Consult your doctor immediately. Dr Anil Dheer