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

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