Monsoon Reduces The Immunity Of The Body

Dr K. K. Aggarwal
Padma Shri and Dr B C Roy National Awardee
President, Heart Care Foundation of India
 

Monsoon is welcome by all but it comes with lots of diseases as the immunity of the body is reduced. The diseases associated with monsoon are malaria, dengue, Chikungunya, jaundice, gastrointestinal infections like typhoid and cholera. Apart from these, viral infections like cold and cough are also common.

Patients with Chikungunya, typically have joint pains, which will get relieved by flexing the limbs. Dengue, if not adequately managed, can be fatal in 1-4% of cases. Chikungunya, though not fatal, can cause chronic debilitating joint pains lasting for years. Management of dengue involves fluid resuscitation and not platelet resuscitation. If enough fluids are given, mortality can be reduced. The mortality period usually starts when the fever subsides. Inappropriate misuse of anti fever medicines can precipitate bleeding in dengue patients.

The water that gets collected due to rain becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Contamination of drinking water is common. It is important to drink clean and pure water to prevent diarrhea and gastrointestinal infections.

Walking in dirty water during rainy season leads to numerous fungal infections, which affect toes and nails. Diabetic patients have to take care of infections, which affect toes, and nails. Diabetic patients have to take a special care about their feet. Always keep the feet dry and clean. Avoid walking in dirty water. Keep the shoes, socks and raincoats dry and clean.

Precautions have to be taken to prevent dampness and growth of fungus (mold) on and around the house were asthmatic patients are living. Avoid fumigation in case of asthmatic patients.

Worms from underground comes to the surface and contaminate the surface vegetables. In the presence of weak digestive fire, this can cause gastric disturbances. It is because of this reason that community lunches and marriage are prohibited in this season.

One should eat light foods. Consuming barley, rice and wheat is good. Water should be boiled before use. Adding ginger and green in daily diet is helpful. Eating warm food is the rule.