Şanlıurfa Education and Research Hospital Emergency Medicine Specialist Dr. Mert Gültekin stated that one of the most common diseases encountered in emergency room visits during the summer months is acute gastroenteritis, commonly known as “stomach flu” or “diarrhea.”
Acute Gastroenteritis: Symptoms and Causes
Dr. Gültekin said that this disease starts suddenly abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and sometimes fever He stated that he showed himself. Especially easy spoilage of food in hot weather and unhygienic water consumption, emphasized that it is among the main causes of this disease. While increasing temperatures in the summer months provide a suitable environment for bacterial growth in foods, food and beverages sold in the open or poorly preserved increase the risk factor.
Risk Groups and Serious Consequences
Acute gastroenteritis, which can be seen in all age groups, is the most common children, the elderly and individuals with weakened immune systems Gültekin, who drew attention to the fact that this poses a risk for people, said that dehydration can develop very quickly in these people and if left untreated, it can lead to serious consequences, even life-threatening ones. Dehydration can cause dehydration, especially in young children and the elderly, and trigger complications such as kidney failure.
Ways of Treatment and Prevention
The main purpose of treating the disease is to replace the body's lost replacement of fluids and minerals Dr. Gültekin stated that plenty of water consumption He also pointed out the importance of Do not use antidiarrheal medications without consulting a doctor He added that in some cases, especially in cases of severe dehydration, intravenous fluid and electrolyte replacement may be necessary.
Dr. Gültekin listed the simple but effective precautions that should be taken to protect against the disease:
Wash your hands frequently. Hand hygiene should be taken care of, especially after using the toilet and before preparing food.
Wash raw vegetables and fruits thoroughly. It is critical to remove dirt and microorganisms before consumption.
Avoid street food and drinks. The hygienic conditions of such products may often be inadequate.
Use safe drinking water. In cases where the quality of tap water is not certain, boiled or bottled water should be preferred.
Finally, Dr. Gultekin, “If diarrhea and vomiting complaints last a long time, if the body resistance decreases or if a high fever is observed, a health institution should be consulted.” Early intervention plays a major role in preventing the disease from worsening and possible complications.
