With cases of dengue and malaria on the rise, Delhi can see a rise in cases of several respiratory, gastrointestinal (relating to the stomach and the intestines) and skin diseases including Asthma attacks and chickenpox.
According to Dr Vikas Maurya of Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, “During monsoons, infections like common cold, food poisoning, irritable bowel moment, asthma attacks and chickenpox take place but this time, they may rise. Generally these infections increase rapidly because of poor sanitation status and lack of awareness among people. This time round, it seems the monsoon is on time so the number of patients will also increase if proper preventive measures are not taken”.
Apart from respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases, cases of skin infections and hair loss may also rise due to increase in humidity along with excessive sweating, dehydration and photo-toxic effects of sun. “Skin allergies also increase in Delhi where pollution level is also high. It can affect upper back, hands and feet. If monsoon remains good then the number of patients with such symptoms will increase”, said Dr Maurya.
Cases of Malaria are being reported in the city and patients started coming to hospitals much earlier
However, the doctor said that the diseases can be prevented by taking some small preventive measures out of which the most beneficial is to maintain hand hygiene. Suggesting some measures against respiratory diseases, he said “Avoiding over-crowded places and using a mask to cover mouth, nose will decrease exposure to pollutants and several viruses”
Similarly, measures can be taken to prevent skin, hair and eye infections. “Using sunscreens, antihistaminic (anti-allergy) medicines for skin allergies and shampoos containing sunscreen can be used apart from keeping yourself hydrated.” said the doctor.