Hospitals witness surge in diarrhoea cases post Eid

Experts say a person should not consume more than 70 grams of meat per day

KARACHI:

Following the Eidul Azha celebrations, hospitals in the city have witnessed a rise in diarrhea cases.

The excessive consumption of meat and disregard for dietary precautions contributed to an increase in stomach-related illnesses among city residents.

Meanwhile, medical experts cautioned that overindulgence of meat can lead to severe digestive problems.

Despite repeated warnings from nutritionists, many citizens ignored guidelines during the three-day festivities, opting instead for lavish feasts and barbeque parties. As a consequence, hospitals are now grappling with a surge in gastrointestinal cases.

Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) Emergency Ward in-charge, Dr Irfan Siddiqui, said that the hospital’s emergency department treated 70 patients exhibiting cholera symptoms on the first day of Eid, followed by 50-66 cases on the subsequent days.

Similarly, Civil Hospital Accident Ward Head, Dr Imran Sarwar, said that 1000-1200 patients with complains of nausea, severe stomach pain and diarrhea, sought treatment at the hospital’s ER service during the three day of the festivity.

Abbasi Shaheed Hospital Superintendent (ASH), Dr Javed, stated that over 600 patients with symptoms like indigestion, nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea during the same period had visited hospital while 20 of them were admitted for observation.

Medical Experts say that a healthy person should not consume more than 70 grams of meat per day if eating meat daily. Otherwise, 700 grams per week is suitable for healthy adults.

They advise those with pre-existing conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol to exercise greater caution and opt for leaner alternatives like fish or mutton.

It is also crucial to balance meat intake with healthy accompaniments such as salads, lemon water, vegetables, and fruits.