Monsoon is here and so are the water-borne diseases! In order to prevent infectious water-borne diseases, it is important to take necessary precautions. The quality of water should be improved at the source itself. In certain areas, the quality of water supply might be of question. In such cases, it is necessary to disinfect the water before use. Waterborne diseases are nothing but an illness that is caused due to drinking contaminated water; it is caused by drinking contaminated or dirty water.

The most common way by which the spreading of microorganisms takes place is through drinking contaminated water. However, apart from that, water-borne diseases can be spread through other means such as via clothes, hands, foods, materials used for cooking, eating, and drinking. Pathological microorganisms can enter the body through an open wound, eyes, and nose as well. Contaminated water can cause many types of diarrheal diseases, including Cholera, and other serious illnesses such as worm disease, Typhoid, and Dysentery.

Water-Borne Disease Cholera:
Cholera is an infection of the small intestine by strains of bacteria.

Causes of Cholera– Vibrio cholera, the bacterium that causes cholera, is usually found in food or water contaminated by feces from a person with the infection. Common sources include:

• Contaminated water supplies.
• Foods and drinks sold by street vendors
• Vegetables are grown with water containing human wastes
• Raw or undercooked fish and seafood caught in waters polluted with sewage

Symptoms of Cholera –

• Sudden onset of painless, profuse, watery diarrhea.
• Nausea And Vomiting early in the illness
• In severe untreated cases, death may occur within hours, but with simple treatment full recovery can be expected.

Water Borne Disease Typhoid:

Is a bacterial infection due to Salmonella Typhoid?

Causes of typhoid – Typhoid is usually transmitted by water or food, in much the same way as cholera. People who are infected excrete live bacteria in their feces and urine. They are usually contagious for a few days before any symptoms develop, so they don’t know they need to take extra precautions. If they don’t wash their hands properly, the typhoid bacillus can be transferred to food or water and from there to another person. Also, it can be spread directly from person to person via contaminated fingers.

Symptoms of Typhoid –

• Constipation
• Cough
• Headache
• Loss Of Appetite
• Stomach Pains
• Sore Throat

Water-Borne Disease Dysentery:

Dysentery is an inflammation of the intestine causing diarrhoea with blood.

Causes of Dysentery – Dysentery can have a number of causes. Bacterial infections are by far the most common causes of dysentery. These infections include Shigella, Campylobacter, E. coli, and Salmonella species of bacteria. The frequency of each pathogen varies considerably in different regions of the world. For example, shigellosis is most common in Latin America while Campylobacter is the dominant bacteria in Southeast Asia. Dysentery is rarely caused by chemical irritants or by intestinal worms.

Symptoms of dysentery –

• Sudden Onset Of High Fever And Chills
• Abdominal Pain
• Cramps And Bloating
• Flatulence (Passing Gas)
• Urgency To Pass Stool
• Feeling Of Incomplete Emptying
• Loss Of Appetite
• Weight Loss
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Vomiting
• Dehydration

Waterborne diseases commonly result during bathing, washing, drinking or the consumption of food that is infected. Over a period of decades, the picture of water-related human health issues has become more and more comprehensive.  Some of the water-borne diseases is malaria, dengue, cholera, typhoid, diarrhea, hepatitis, and scabies.  Waterborne diseases are extremely harmful and lead to severe illness and may even be fatal. They lower the body’s resistance and intake of nourishment, resulting in further infections and diseases. Therefore, the prevention of waterborne diseases is vital.

Waterborne diseases can cause a variety of symptoms. While diarrhea and vomiting are the most commonly reported symptoms of waterborne illness, other symptoms can include skin, ear, respiratory, or eye problems.

The primary goal of Ayurvedic medicine is to help people live long, healthy and balanced lives without the need for prescription drugs, complicated surgeries or suffering through painful conditions.

Read this blog to know about the Ayurvedic relief which you can get from monsoon sickness

Ayurveda is also capable of treating water-borne diseases. Over a period of time, Ayurveda has succeeded in curing malaria and several other diseases. Guduchi and Akanadi are commonly used in Ayurveda as an antidote to malaria.  Malaria causes symptoms that typically include fever and headache in worst conditions can cause to coma and even death. Ayurvedic practice without this herb may not be possible. It is also an important ingredient of several other Ayurvedic medicines. Guduchi not only helps in curing malaria but is also beneficial for chronic fever, infections, low immunity, asthma and chronic fatigue etc.

During monsoon people also suffer from dengue which is considered to be a waterborne disease. When a mosquito carrying dengue fever bites a healthy person the dengue fever viruses get transmitted to that person. Ayurvedic medicine used for the treatment of dengue fever is tulsi (holy basil). Medicinal properties of tulsi are very useful in ayurvedic therapy. The leaves of tulsi are used to produce a soothing effect on the nervous system. Tulsi leaves strengthen the stomach and induce copious perspiration.

Ayushakti’s mission is to help people in every possible way. You can consult our experts on phone or video. We will suggest diet & home remedies for maintaining your wellbeing in these difficult times. Book your consultation here  https://bit.ly/31YnP1b

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Author of the Blog: Dr. Hemang Parekh

Expert Review By: Dr Smita Pankaj Naram

Co-Founder, Ayushakti Ayurved Pvt Ltd