‘Monsoon can be tricky for those with diabetes, asthma’

This season, doctors warn against bacterial, fungal and other seasonal infections

July 18, 2017 01:19 am | Updated 01:19 am IST - New Delhi

The monsoon brings with it not just rain, but also bacterial, fungal and other seasonal infections, which can spell trouble for diabetics. The drop in temperature can also be tricky for those with asthma.

“An umbrella only keeps your head dry. Your feet find their way through rain water, which is a mix of mud and dirt and can double the chances of contracting infections. Sewage water also mixes with rain water, leading to complicated conditions like leptospirosis, which can damage the liver and kidneys, and even prove fatal if left untreated,” said Dr. S.K. Mundhra, HOD (Internal Medicine), Saroj Super Speciality Hospital.

Respiratory issues

Among the other diseases one must watch out for are cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, diarrhoea, malaria, dengue, chikungunya and haemorrhagic fever.

Dr. Sanjay Kalra, vice-president, South Asian Federation of Endocrine Societies, said: “For diabetics, who have lower immunity, this is the time to be careful about respiratory problems. They can also develop itchiness if they get wet in the rain. Feet should especially be taken care of as these can harbour fungal infections, which can turn into gangrene. Though the season is tricky for diabetics, one can tide over it if a proper diet is followed.”

Avoid eating out

People with diabetes should avoid eating out as contaminated food and water can cause food poisoning, diarrhoea, and cholera. Eating on time and at proper intervals are key to controlling increased insulin levels.

Also, monsoon is the time when the number of eye infections rise. People with diabetes must ensure that they go for regular eye examinations to keep infections at bay, said Dr. Kalra.

The Capital, meanwhile, is registering a steady rise in the number of malaria, dengue and chikungunya cases. Health authorities fear that the number of cases may rise as the season for vector-borne diseases generally lasts till November-end.

Vector-borne diseases

What is also worrisome is that cases of all three vector-borne diseases have been reported much earlier this year, which doctors have attributed to the early arrival of monsoon. “Delhi is also getting many cases from States around it. As many as 17 cases of dengue and 12 of chikungunya were recorded in this week,” read a release issued by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.

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