The monsoon season brings fun to our doorstep, so to say. But it can also bring a host of illnesses, some serious and others not so but still troublesome. The trick is to keep bad eating (and drinking) habits at arm’s length and practise hygienic living
Monsoon is a mixed bag of fun and spoilsport rolled into one. Infections that churn out of monsoons are a kill-joy. A surge in allergies, disease of digestive system, respiratory system and skin are underside of monsoon. En masse hepatitis infection is widespread during the season. Thankfully, mostly they are not the fatal variety of hepatitis. They are caused by viruses through contaminated food and water we consume. If we consume them outside, the chances of hepatitis infection run very high.
The rainy season is thus infamous for hepatitis. There are mainly five types of hepatitis viruses: A, B, C, D and E. The most common types are A, B, and C; and E Hepatitis infections that reach epidemic proportions during monsoons which are mostly caused by A and E viruses that infect via contaminated food or water. Thankfully, hepatitis caused by these viruses are not life-threatening. In a majority of the patients, the infection is self limiting. One in a hundred may die but all others are cured after some days of rest. There are no specific medicines to treat infections by these viruses.
Hepatitis A is commonly contracted after ingesting food or liquid contaminated by feces from a person infected with hepatitis A (Chronic Hepatitis). But it is not life threatening. It doesn’t lead to long-term inflammation of liver. A majority of people, drinking polluted water and having poor sanitation around, get infected with this virus.
The same is with Hepatitis E virus. It is a waterborne disease. It is mainly transmitted through consumption of contaminated water or food and is mainly found in areas with poor sanitation.
Of course, there is no medicine available for the treatment of infection by these viruses. Nor is any needed. But consulting a doctor is a must so as to find that the jaundice caused is by dangerous types of hepatitis viruses namely B and C.'
Doctors warn that no witch doctor or Chandni Chowk variety of herbal medicine is of any use in such infections, which are self-limiting. Take plenty of rest, and some precaution regarding food is enough to let it pass. As for the question as to how Hepatitis A and E are treated, they generally doesn’t require treatment because the illnesses are short-term. Bed rest may be suggested if symptoms cause a great deal of discomfort. If you experience vomiting or diarrhoea, follow your doctor’s orders for hydration and nutrition.
Hepatitis E similarly does not call for any treatment because there is none. Because the infection is often acute, it typically resolves on its own. People with this type of infection are often advised to get adequate rest, drink plenty of fluids, get enough nutrients, and avoid alcohol. However, pregnant women who develop this infection require close monitoring and care.
Weather change may also become the reason for allergies, largely due to the pollen and molds in the environment. There are often dust storms which contribute to allergic reactions and airway diseases especially allergic asthma. The humidity in the air during a rainy season is high, which provides a favourable milieu for the growth of fungal spores and molds. These are strong respiratory allergens and increase the asthmatic attacks.
Apart from this, dampness encourages the growth of dust mites that further trigger allergic reactions of skin and respiratory tract. People with pets should be cautious as pet dander tends to increase due to restriction of outdoor activity for cats and dogs. All those who are prone to allergies and allergic asthma need to keep their environment clean, ventilation apt and follow their doctor’s advice for optimisation of safety from the ailment. Exhaust fans, air conditioners and de-humidifiers can come handy in ensuring safety.
A small mention of the increase in the incidence of skin infections, especially fungal infections, is called for. Humidity leads to dampness in skin folds, resulting in a favourable environment for fungus to multiply. More prone are elderly and immune-compromised people, especially the diabetic population.
The most common ailment caused by mosquitoes is dengue fever. The main symptoms of dengue are fever, body aches, joint pain and rash. In the list of monsoon ailment, chikungunya is a troublesome disease in number third. Chikungunya is transmitted by the bite of infected aide’s Albopictus mosquitoes. These mosquitoes breed in stagnated water and bite during bright daylight. The common symptoms of chikungunya include an abrupt onset of fever, accompanied by joint pain.
A word of caution for the taste buds too, as this is the season of jaundice, diarrhoea and food poisoning. Practicing good hygiene is a key to avoiding contracting Hepatitis A and E. One must avoid a few things, such as local water, ice, raw or undercooked shellfish and oysters, raw fruit and vegetables, chaat, golgappa; cut fruits outside home should be a strict No. Food tends to rot and get contaminated faster in the monsoons; hence it is important to have fresh food always. The bacteria and fungus multiply faster in damp weather and cause the food to rot."
We should avoid eating out; especially from roadside vendors as there is no check on the quality of raw material used. Also avoid fresh fruits, salads and juices from outside as they may not be properly washed. Instead consume homemade, well cooked food. Try to consume fresh seasonal fruits after washing them well. Prefer filtered and boiled water. Avoid re-heating of food.
(The writer is director & head, BlK Centre for Digestive & liver Diseases, BlK Super Speciality Hospital)