Consultant in Gastrointestinal Tract, Liver and Endoscopy Dr. Nasser Al-Dosari has explained that the most common digestive tract diseases during summer are: Diarrhea, gastroenteritis, stomachache and irritation of the colon, noting that the person get infected with these diseases due to the drinking of unhealthy beverages, either water or cold juices, which are usually sold by street vendors or being prepared in ways contradicting the general health standards, as well as the eating of half-cooked meat and foods that are improperly stored in refrigerators.
He said that influenza and climate and environment changes are usually accompanied by digestive disorders, adding that the lack of washing fruits, vegetables and leafy greens thoroughly with water or vinegar before consumption often causes gastroenteritis and diarrhea.
This came during the visit of Dr. Al-Dosari to the Ministry of Health's National Center for Media and Health Awareness to answer callers' inquiries via the Center's toll free number (8002494444) and MOH Twitter account: @saudimoh, concerning the diseases of the digestive tract in summer and during travelling.
Dr. Al-Dosari advised the Information Center's audience to make sure that their food is well cooked and not half cooked, as well as avoiding having cold drinks and salads in public restaurants, and paying more attention to the drinking water and avoiding faucets' water. He affirmed that the one suffering from any of the digestive tract diseases must consult his/her doctor before travelling, take the precautionary measures in the form of medicines, vaccines or anti-poisoning drugs and be careful when using personal belongings like razors and towels as well as taking toilet bowl protectors (plastic chips). In addition to what mentioned above, those travelling to hot places should drink a lot of clean liquids and avoid direct sunlight.
Dr. Al-Dosary further reiterated to the liver patients the importance of consulting their doctors to obtain the necessary directives and advises before the advent of the Holy Month of Ramadan, so as to avoid any complications during the month of fasting.
Meanwhile, the Media Center will host tomorrow (Thursday) Pharmacist Albandry Saad Al-Bishi to talk about the packing of the travellers' pharmaceutical bag from 10-12 pm. The Center will also host Consultant in Kidney Diseases Dr. Khalid Al-Saran who will answer callers' inquiries concerning kidney diseases, from 1-3 pm, via the abovementioned toll free number and Twitter account.