Be wary of faster food spoilage amid dry weather, doctors say

Doctors on Monday urged the public to be wary of the food they eat as spoilage becomes faster during the high temperatures over the dry season.

At a press conference, Philippine Society of Gastroenterology president Dr. Ian Homer Cua said food easily spoiled during the summer due to accelerated bacterial growth.

“Be aware, especially the high heat index, sometimes kasi maso-spoil ‘yung mga kinakain natin [sometimes our food gets spoiled], so we see increasing rates of acute gastroenteritis at this time,” Cua said.

He also advised people to avoid reheating food and ensure that what they eat is always fresh.

East Avenue Medical Center director Alfonso Nuñez also underscored the importance of regular handwashing to prevent the spread of diseases like gastrointestinal infections.

Meanwhile, Philippine Society of Digestive Endoscopy vice president Dr. Roberto de Guzman Jr. said people should go immediately to the doctor if they experience stomach pain, accompanied by fever, vomiting, or blood in the stool.

“Although yes, we encourage people to do their first aid. Make sure po mag-hydrate. ‘Yun po ‘yung pinakamahalaga, hydration. Dapat po may electrolytes hangga't maaari, hindi lang po siya simply tubig lang,” De Guzman said.

(Although yes, we encourage people to do their first aid. Make sure to hydrate. That's the most important thing, hydration. Patients should take in electrolytes as much as possible, not just simply water.) 

He also said that people suffering from stomachache should not solely rely on over-the-counter antidiarrheal agents without consulting a doctor first.

“Remember, ito pong mga antidiarrheal agents could trap the toxins further. So, kaya po ‘wag po basta basta sa iinom na hindi po na-prescribe ng doktor [don’t take something that is not prescribed by a doctor],” de Guzman added.

The Department of Health (DOH) has also reminded the public against heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, that become more prevalent during the dry season.

Should anyone experience any symptoms of heat-related illnesses, the DOH advised the public to follow these first aid measures:

• Transfer the person to a cooler or shady area and adjust the ventilation;
• Remove clothes that could add up to body heat;
• Apply cold compress, ice pack, cold water, or a cold wet cloth to the skin, especially on the head, face, neck, armpits, wrists, ankles, and groin;
• Contact emergency services or take the person to the hospital immediately.

If the patient is conscious, let him/her have frequent but slow sips of cold water. –NB, GMA Integrated News