With the city witnessing an erratic weather pattern, doctors in Mumbai already have patients complaining of gastroenteritis, conjunctivitis and seasonal flu.
Doctors say such problems are usually observed in May, but due to the soaring temperature and climatic fluctuations, cases have started surfacing early this year. Not to mention, Jaslok Hospital general physician Dr Pratit Samdhani said, the heat is not sparing any age group as people of all ages are falling prey to the diseases.
Climatic fluctuations are also giving rise to allergic conjunctivitis, often observed with the onset of summer. It is contagious and characterised by severe itching in both eyes and red spots, with thick mucous discharge.
"This year, there has been a 10-15% rise in eye diseases. Besides allergic conjunctivitis, we are also observing patients with sty, an infection that occurs near the follicle of an eyelash when its opening is blocked by secretions. It can be painful but isn't contagious. Increase in dust and pollen in the air, when the temperature rises, causes bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye), which is contagious," said Dr Arjun Ahuja, head of the ophthalmology department, KEM Hospital.
Among other seasonal diseases, gastro problems, including gastroenteritis, too are bringing Mumbaikars down. City doctors have been observing two to three cases daily. "Patients complain of severe diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal cramps. High temperatures and less intake of water lead to dehydration. This has been found as a common complication in people suffering from diarrhoea. This year, we are also seeing a steep rise in gastroenteritis cases, which started coming after Holi," said Dr Pradip Shah, general physician associated with Fortis Hospital in Mulund.
To avoid these illnesses and maintain one's health, Shah suggests some precautionary measures, such as increasing water intake, consuming fresh fruit juices, eating fresh cooked food, avoiding outside food, and covering one's head and wearing light clothes.
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