[Click! Health] Infectious Intestinal Diseases Prevailing in the Rainy Season, Children Should Beware of 'Jangnyeom'

The summer monsoon season, characterized by heat and frequent rain, creates an environment with high temperature and humidity that is conducive to bacterial growth. Young children, who are vulnerable to infectious diseases, are also more susceptible to enteritis during this period.

Enteritis is generally divided into infectious and non-infectious types. In summer, infectious enteritis caused by consuming seafood or raw foods is particularly prevalent. Symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting appear. Usually, these improve with hydration and rest, but children with weak immune systems, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses can experience worsening symptoms, so accurate diagnosis and treatment are necessary. Specialist Kang from the Department of Gastroenterology at H Plus Yangji Hospital emphasized, "Children have less water and body fluids in their bodies, so even a small number of vomiting or diarrhea episodes, which are major symptoms of enteritis, can lead to dehydration. Especially in children, losing just 10% of their body fluids can become a dangerous condition, so prompt action is required."

Causes of infectious enteritis include bacteria (cholera, E. coli, dysentery, typhoid, Yersinia, etc.) and viruses (norovirus, rotavirus). These pathogens multiply more actively in the hot and humid summer environment. Once contaminated food is ingested, symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever appear within 72 hours.

Infectious enteritis usually occurs when bacteria infect the body through contaminated water or food, or by eating poultry such as chicken or duck that is not fully cooked. It can also result from consuming seafood that is not fresh or street food. Especially during summer vacation, children tend to stay at home longer and sometimes eat delivery food left at room temperature over multiple occasions, which can easily spoil and cause enteritis, so caution is necessary.

Initial symptoms such as headache, fever, and chills can be mistaken for a cold, but after 1-2 days, they progress to abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Rapid treatment is particularly necessary for children under 10 years old who contract enteritis. Adults may experience stomach upset and diarrhea, but enteritis usually does not progress rapidly and often improves with symptomatic treatment. However, children are at higher risk due to rapid dehydration. If a high fever above 38 degrees Celsius persists for more than a day, or if diarrhea and abdominal pain are severe with bloody stools, or if eating becomes difficult, prompt hospitalization and treatment are recommended.

To prevent enteritis in summer, it is best to cook ingredients thoroughly at high temperatures. Cooked food should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours and should be refrigerated or frozen. Fresh vegetables should be washed cleanly under running water and consumed immediately, and water should preferably be boiled before drinking. The cooking environment should also prevent bacterial growth. Cooking utensils should be disinfected frequently, and knives and cutting boards that are difficult to sanitize should be separated for vegetables, meats, and seafood to avoid cross-contamination. If separation is not possible, prepare vegetables first, then meats, then seafood, washing knives and cutting boards with detergent between each step. Frequent handwashing and strict personal hygiene, such as using separate dishes and toiletries if symptoms of enteritis appear, are essential. Since enteritis has a high chance of recurrence, dietary management after recovery is also important.

Specialist Kang explained, "When symptoms of enteritis such as vomiting and diarrhea appear, hydration with water, barley tea, or electrolyte drinks is necessary to prevent dehydration. In children, even slight dehydration causes severe symptoms such as a significant decrease in urine output, so the dehydration status should be assessed to determine whether intravenous fluid therapy is needed. If symptoms are severe, appropriate treatment should be received through X-rays, CT scans, and stool culture tests to identify the causative bacteria."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.