4,275 gastro patients land in Pims

Published July 5, 2015
Children are particularly at high risk of falling prey to gastro because they buy substandard food and drinks.—Wikimedia.org
Children are particularly at high risk of falling prey to gastro because they buy substandard food and drinks.—Wikimedia.org

ISLAMABAD: As many as 4,275 gastro patients –2,850 adults and 1,425 children --visited Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) since first Ramazan.

Media coordinator of Pims and gastroenterologist, Dr Waseem Khawaja, while talking to Dawn on Saturday said 15 per cent of the adult patients who were brought to the emergency of the Pims were severely dehydrated. Around five per cent of them were admitted and others were discharged after medical treatment,” he said.

“Most of the patients came after Sehri and Iftari. Around 10 per cent children were severely dehydrated and admitted to Pims,” he said.

He said gastro was caused by a bacteria and it results in acute form of diarrhea and vomiting. Patient usually takes one to six days to recover.

Children are particularly at high risk of falling prey to gastro because they buy substandard food and drinks. Besides, reheated meat dishes, bakery products and improperly prepared food can also cause gastro.

Gastro patient can be treated by making up for the lost water from the body, he said.

“The best prevention against the gastro is improved sanitation. Food should be properly cooked and stored to prevent gastro. Junk food and drinks should be avoided. Hands should be washed before eating anything and after using the bathroom,” Dr. Waseem said.

Published in Dawn, July 5th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play

Opinion

Editorial

Disregarding CCI
Updated 04 Nov, 2024

Disregarding CCI

The failure to regularly convene CCI meetings means that the process of democratic decision-making is falling apart.
Defeating TB
04 Nov, 2024

Defeating TB

CONSIDERING the fact that Pakistan has the fifth highest burden of tuberculosis in the world as per the World Health...
Ceasefire charade
Updated 04 Nov, 2024

Ceasefire charade

The US talks of peace, while simultaneously arming and funding their Israeli allies, are doomed to fail, and are little more than a charade.
Concerning measures
Updated 03 Nov, 2024

Concerning measures

The govt must seek political input and consensus on the changes it is seeking to make and be open about its intentions.
Short-lived relief?
03 Nov, 2024

Short-lived relief?

POLICYMAKERS must be jumping with joy. At the close of the first quarter of FY25, the budget posted a consolidated...
Brisk spread
03 Nov, 2024

Brisk spread

THE surge in polio cases has reached distressing levels with a tally of 45 last reported, after two cases emerged in...