Pune: Summer is often a time for enjoyment—school vacations, outdoor play, and family trips. However, it also brings an increased risk of gastrointestinal infections, especially among children. The heat, dehydration, and exposure to contaminated food and water create an environment that makes these infections more likely.
According to Inshara Mahedvi, a consultant dietitian, parents need to stay vigilant and take steps to ensure their children’s health remains protected during the summer months. Common gastrointestinal infections in children include viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu), caused by viruses such as rotavirus or norovirus, bacterial infections like Salmonella, E. coli, and Shigella, and parasitic infections such as giardiasis and amoebiasis. These can all arise from contaminated food or water and poor hygiene.
The primary causes of these infections include eating contaminated food, especially from street vendors or improperly stored meals. Other factors such as poor hand hygiene, not washing hands before meals or after using the toilet, consuming unwashed fruits and vegetables, dehydration, and consuming untreated water can also increase the risk.
The symptoms of gastrointestinal infections can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fever, loss of appetite, fatigue, dry mouth, decreased urination, and sunken eyes. If untreated, these conditions can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, malnutrition, delayed growth, or even hospitalization in severe cases.
Doctors may recommend a stool examination, blood tests, and an electrolyte level assessment to check for dehydration. As gastroenteritis cases rise, oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are crucial for rehydration. Doctors may also prescribe antipyretics for fever, antibiotics for bacterial infections, or antiparasitic medications, depending on the cause of the infection. Ensuring adequate sleep is also important for recovery. Probiotics may help restore gut flora.
Parents should monitor their child’s eating habits and ensure a balanced diet consisting of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and proteins. Junk food, spicy, oily, canned, and processed foods should be avoided, as they can lead to digestive issues. Street food, in particular, should be avoided to prevent food poisoning. To keep kids hydrated, offer them lemon juice, buttermilk, or coconut water instead of sugary drinks. Bakery products, sweets, and desserts should also be limited. Regular hand washing is essential to prevent infections, so it is important that both children and caregivers maintain proper hygiene.
By following these preventive measures, parents can help reduce the risk of gastrointestinal infections and ensure their children stay healthy throughout the summer.
