Recently, Beijing has experienced frequent rainfall. The high-temperature, high-humidity conditions following rain create an environment highly conducive to the spread of intestinal infectious diseases and foodborne illnesses.Experts advise that after experiencing diarrhea, patients should consume light, easily digestible liquids or semi-liquids. For mild cases, symptoms typically improve within 2-3 days through dietary adjustments, rest, and symptomatic treatment. Those with severe diarrhea, especially those showing signs of dehydration, should promptly seek medical attention at a gastroenterology clinic.
Experts caution that while diarrhea is a common ailment in daily life, persistent cases can lead to malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, anemia, and weakened immunity, posing serious health risks.
Liu Baiwei, a senior physician at the Beijing CDC's Infectious Disease and Endemic Disease Control Institute, explains that dehydration is a frequent complication of diarrhea, manifesting as thirst, reduced urination, dry and wrinkled skin, and sunken eyes.To prevent dehydration, increase intake of sugar-salt solution, ideally purchasing "oral rehydration salts" from pharmacies. Patients experiencing dehydration or severe vomiting that prevents fluid intake should seek hospital treatment and receive intravenous rehydration or other medical interventions as prescribed.
Gu Huali, a pediatric attending physician at Beijing Tongren Hospital, emphasized that many patients mistakenly use antibiotics at the first sign of diarrhea. This practice is incorrect, as most cases of diarrhea do not require antibiotic treatment. Overuse of antibiotics can disrupt the normal intestinal flora, actually hindering recovery from diarrhea. If uncertain about antibiotic use, patients should consult a gastroenterology clinic.
It is important to note that many forms of diarrhea are contagious, and non-professionals cannot determine whether a specific case is infectious. Experts therefore recommend treating all instances of diarrhea encountered in daily life as potentially contagious, especially in households with infants, young children, or elderly individuals. These households should prioritize daily cleaning and disinfection.
Liu Baiwei emphasizes that preventing household transmission begins with maintaining home hygiene. Utensils, toilet bowls, bedding, and other items potentially contaminated by the patient's feces or vomit must be thoroughly disinfected.Second, caregivers must prioritize personal protection. After attending to patients, hands should be thoroughly washed with running water and soap using the seven-step handwashing method. If patients accidentally come into contact with their own feces or vomit, they should also wash hands meticulously to prevent pathogens from contaminating other items.
Experts note that diarrhea can be prevented through simple personal hygiene and food safety measures. Additionally, adjust dietary structure to ensure balanced nutrition and enhance immune function. Strengthen physical exercise to boost disease resistance, and maintain a healthy work-rest balance. Adjust clothing promptly according to weather changes to avoid catching colds.