Skin and gastro problems rise in Patna with spike in mercury

PATNA: The scorching heat prevailing in the state capital for over a week is leading to various health concerns in people of all ages.
Doctors too suggest to avoid long exposure to sunlight and take chilled cold drinks as it could have adverse effects on health.
Eye specialist Dr Satya Prakash Tiwari said, "Cases of both allergic and infective conjunctivitis have increased and schoolgoing children upto 15 and labourers directly exposed to sun are more prone. In both diseases eyes turn red with itching but symptoms of watery discharge is seen only in infective conjunctivitis," he explained. In case of any eye trouble patients should consult doctors or visit hospitals. Tiwari, however, advised people, especially children going to colleges or coaching centres to use sun glasses and put on shed caps as protection.
Skin specialist Dr Amit Ranjan warned against fungal infections and melasma troubles which rose this time. He said melasma with gray and brown patches on face is common in women in scorching hot weather and it is mainly due to strong sunlight. Such women need to use sun skin cream for maintaining their skin healthy and glowing.
"The thermostatic mechanism of the body gets confused in soaring heat condition inviting several complications including some life threatening ones," said neurosurgeon Dr Kunal Kumar. Derailment of thermostatic system leads to heat stroke, cramping of muscles and dehydration. He said long or regular exposure to high temperature also affect human behaviour with symptoms like irritable response, delirium and confused state of mind.
Extreme cases of heat stroke could also lead to brain and kidney troubles. Kunal too advised to drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous exercise during peak hours.
Dr Madan Pal Singh, physician said diarrhoea and gastrointestinal (GI) troubles increase with rise in mercury and it requires self care to stay healthy. "The first mantra to skip summer wrath is to drink plenty of water to keep hydrated," he said. He further suggested to avoid chilled water or cold drinks as it could cause allergic reaction on throat causing sudden cough.
Roadside stalls vending food items in open are an important source of food poisoning and dehydration and such eatables must be avoided for the sake of health, he cautioned.
Singh said in cases of diarrheoa and food poisoning, patients should immediately contact any health facility or medical expert.