Health blogs by Dr. Reddy.

  Here’s the importance of understanding disease possibilities during the monsoon season: 🌧️ Importance of Monsoon Disease Awareness Prevents Outbreaks Early awareness helps reduce the risk of large-scale outbreaks of waterborne and vector-borne diseases like cholera, dengue, and malaria. Protects Vulnerable Populations Children, elderly people, and those with weakened immunity are more susceptible during this season—preparedness helps safeguard their health. Reduces Healthcare Burden Prevention minimizes hospital visits, allowing health systems to function more efficiently during high-demand periods. Promotes Better Hygiene Practices Increased awareness encourages habits like safe water consumption, mosquito control, and personal hygiene. Supports Timely Medical Response Recognizing early symptoms of common monsoon illnesses leads to quicker diagnosis and treatment, reducing complications. Enhances Community Resilience Informed communities are better equipped to handle seas...

Causes of Diarrhoea Diarrhoea is a common condition characterized by frequent, loose, or watery stools. It can affect people of all ages and is usually a symptom of an underlying issue. The causes of diarrhoea vary widely and may be classified as infectious or non-infectious. 1. Infections: The most common cause of diarrhoea is infection by viruses, bacteria, or parasites. Viral infections, such as rotavirus and norovirus, are particularly common in children. Bacterial causes include Escherichia coli , Salmonella , and Shigella , often resulting from contaminated food or water. Parasitic infections like giardiasis can also lead to diarrhoea, especially in areas with poor sanitation. 2. Food Intolerance and Allergies: Some people may experience diarrhoea after consuming certain foods. Lactose intolerance, for instance, occurs when the body cannot digest lactose, a sugar found in dairy products. Food allergies, such as those to gluten (celiac disease), can also trigger diarrhoea. 3. Me...

  Diet During Diarrhoea: What to Eat, What to Avoid (Illustrative image) Diarrhoea can leave your body weak, dehydrated, and nutritionally depleted. The right diet can help ease symptoms and speed up recovery. One key principle: keep it light and simple. Start with the BRAT diet —Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. These foods are bland, low in fiber, and help firm up stools. Bananas, in particular, replenish potassium lost in diarrhoea. Also, drink plenty of fluids—water, clear broths, and oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are ideal to restore lost electrolytes. Avoid irritants that can worsen diarrhoea. Say no to caffeine, dairy (especially if lactose-intolerant), alcohol, fried foods, and high-fiber vegetables. These can irritate the gut or increase bowel movements. Instead, opt for easy-to-digest, low-fat, and low-fiber options. Gradually reintroduce more solid foods as symptoms improve. Small, frequent meals are more tolerable than large ones. What to Eat What to Avoi...

Loose, watery stools that occur more frequently than usual. Diarrhoea is usually caused by a virus, or sometimes, contaminated food. Less frequently, it can be a sign of another disorder, such as inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome. Symptoms include frequent, loose, watery stools and stomach pain. Most cases clear on their own. Some infections may need antibiotics. Severe cases can cause enough dehydration to require intravenous fluids. Common causes Diarrhoea can have causes that aren't due to underlying disease. Examples include a liquid diet, food intolerance, stress, anxiety or use of laxatives.  

  Symptoms of Heatstroke Heatstroke is a serious medical emergency characterized by the following key symptoms: High body temperature: A core body temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher is the main indicator of heatstroke. Altered mental state or behavior: This can include confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, seizures, aggression, or even coma. Change in sweating pattern: In classic (nonexertional) heatstroke, the skin may feel hot and dry. In exertional heatstroke (from intense activity), the skin may be moist from heavy sweating. Flushed or red skin: The skin may appear red as body temperature increases. Nausea and vomiting: Feeling sick to the stomach or vomiting is common. Rapid breathing: Breathing may become fast and shallow. Racing heart rate: The pulse may significantly increase as the heart works harder to cool the body. Headache: Often described as throbbing. Muscle weakness or cramps . Dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness . Loss of cons...

  What Is Heatstroke? Heatstroke is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the body’s core temperature rises above 40°C (104°F) and the body can no longer cool itself effectively. This condition can rapidly cause damage to the brain and vital organs, and can be fatal if not treated promptly. Causes Heatstroke can develop in two main ways: Classic (non-exertional) heatstroke: This occurs after exposure to high environmental temperatures, especially in hot, humid weather. It often affects older adults, young children, or people with chronic health conditions, particularly when they are in poorly ventilated or uncooled environments. Exertional heatstroke: This is triggered by intense physical activity in hot conditions, commonly affecting athletes, outdoor workers, or military personnel. Heavy clothing, dehydration, and lack of acclimatization to heat increase the risk. Other contributing factors include wearing heavy clothing, drinking alcohol, certain medications, a...