Diarrhea involves frequent, loose, or watery stools, often with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. It affects all ages, from mild to severe. Untreated acute diarrhea can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

According to Master, Doctor Vo Ngoc Diem, from the Department of Gastrointestinal Internal Medicine at Tam Anh General Hospital TP HCM, hot and humid weather during the summer creates ideal conditions for disease-causing bacteria and viruses like E. coli, typhoid, and dysentery to multiply quickly. These microorganisms can enter the body through contaminated food or water, causing acute diarrhea.

Doctor Diem examines a patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

High ambient temperatures also speed up food decomposition, making food spoil and become contaminated if not stored correctly. Eating this food can lead to poisoning, acute diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.

The demand for alcoholic beverages also rises during hot weather. Ethanol in these drinks can irritate the gastrointestinal lining, increase intestinal motility, and reduce water absorption, leading to digestive issues or diarrhea. During summer, ice, ice cream, and soft drinks are popular for refreshment. However, unhygienic production or storage can turn them into sources of disease-causing microorganisms.

Doctor Diem advises that leaving cooked food at room temperature for over two hours allows bacteria to grow, potentially causing food poisoning and digestive disorders.

Patients should seek prompt medical attention if they experience signs of acute diarrhea, including: frequent bowel movements, continuous vomiting, severe thirst, dry lips, or reduced urination. Young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions must be especially careful due to their higher risk of dehydration and complications.

If diarrhea is suspected, patients should use oresol solution as directed or consume thin porridge and soup broth in small, frequent amounts to aid absorption.

The diet should focus on soft, easily digestible foods, while limiting fatty, spicy foods and alcoholic beverages. Patients should not self-medicate with anti-diarrhea drugs, antibiotics, or traditional remedies without a doctor's guidance, as this could prolong the illness or lead to complications.

To prevent diarrhea in hot weather, individuals must maintain good personal hygiene, wash hands properly, choose clean food, and ensure safe preparation and storage.

Thao Nhi