Home remedy for holiday problems

Many people have just started office after Eid holiday. Many have taken a bit longer vacation. Whatever it may be, most of us are still in mode of celebration. When we are in mood of holiday, it is easy to forget our healthy routine and indulge in too much food that can create problems like stomach upset, diarrhoea, vomiting , dehydration, abdominal pain, peptic ulcer problem, fever, sore throat, headaches, nausea, allergic rash, minor cuts and burn, insects bite, exacerbation of asthma, diabetes, hypertension, gouty arthritis etc.

Diarrhoea is a common happening in holiday. In such case, we should start taking oral rehydration saline (ORS) immediately to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. They should seek medical attention if the dehydration is severe.

After the month of Ramadan fasting when body gets used to fasting schedule, sudden change in food habits may cause an upset to our body's system and may trigger undesirable side effects such as indigestion, heart burn and dyspepsia. We should try to avoid taking too much deep fried food and take medication to reduce stomach acid before meal.

For minor cuts and burn, we should clean the wound with drinking water properly and may use over the counter antiseptic solution to prevent infection. To clean and cover such wound, keeping sterile gauze and bandage at home may help you in crisis time. If the wound is grossly contaminated, we should seek help of emergency department.

Asthma patients must keep extra one inhaler during this time as nearby drug shop may not be open. Asthma patients should avoid known allergic food , deodorant and perfumes.

Known diabetic patient should keep oral anti diabetic drugs and those who are using insulin try to keep them in adequate amount at home. Please be careful about taking sweet foods, though they may be palatable after a long fasting.

Hypertensive patients are advised to procure adequate amount of anti-hypertensive drugs. Those, who have angina or chest should always keep  anti-anginal spray for emergency purpose and be careful about food intake.

Chronic Kidney disease (CKD) patients should strictly follow the advice on fluid and protein intake, specially people on dialysis. They should choose food smartly and keep the contact number of their doctor for any emergency situation.

Sudden allergy, itching and insect bite may interfere your happy mood. So, keep anti-histamine in your first aid box at home to combat that situation if it really occurs.

Do not try any new food for your kids less than 12 month old at this time, this is not the proper time. Too much journey and too many foods may make your child sick.

Keep the contact number of your doctor, nearby hospital emergency department in your contact list for any emergency. Stay hale and hearty and enjoy the holiday.

The writer is a Paediatrician working at Community Based Medical College (CBMC), Mymensingh.
E-mail: mmukkhan@gmail.com