Rising mercury causes rise in UTI, stomach infections

Mumbai: The sudden rise in daytime temperatures has led to an increase in stomach and urinary tract infections (UTI) among the city’s residents. Many people are complaining of loose motions, vomiting and stomach cramps even as many others are complaining of a burning sensation while urinating, painful urination and fever, the latter being indications of UTI according to doctors.  

Elaborating on instances of UTI, senior urologist of the civic-run KEM Hospital, Dr Ajay S. Kanbur, said, “Acidic urine is common in this type of hot and humid climate when the body gets dehydrated through sweating. In such cases, the intake of water should be increased so that urine acidity remains at an acceptable level.” More cases of UTI are being seen in women because they have shorter urinary tracts, he said.

“Currently, around 70 per cent are seen in the outpatient department which comprises patients with UTI, diarrhoea and vomiting,” he said.

Dr Sanjay Surase, medical superintendent of the hospital, said, “Mostly youngsters who are consume unhygienic drinks sold at roadside stalls are coming up with complaints of stomach cramps, diarrhoea, and vomiting. Those whose work involves moving around the city during the day are showing symptoms of gastrointestinal infections.”

Eye infections see increase, say doctors

There has been a rise in cases of eye infections such as conjunctivitis and microsporidiosis, the latter a rare disease caused by a parasite called microsporidia, due to increase in temperatures among others, according to ophthalmologists at state-run J.J. Hospital.

More than 30 cases have been reported every day, according to the head of the ophthalmology department of J.J. Hospital, Dr Ragini Parekh.

Dr Parekh told The Asian Age, “There are 30 people walking in every day with viral infections of the eyes. Due to high humidity, there has been an increase in eye ailments as increased humidity provides an ideal environment for growth and spread of disease-causing viruses and bacteria.”

An infectious diseases expert said that the change in climate, global travelling patterns, transfer of viruses from one place to another were major causes of the increase in eye infections this year.

Dr Om Shrivastava, infectious diseases expert, too, attributed the surge in viral ailments to the rise in temperature. “People need to visit the doctor immediately. Take medication as prescribed by the doctor and don’t fall back on home remedies,” he advised.

Mumbaikars are facing severe heat these days and mercury levels are likely to shoot up to 36 degree Celsius as per IMD. According to the Central Weather Office, the next couple of days will see intense heat.