SUMMER AILMENTS

By Dr. Mukesh Batra

For those who love the outdoors, summer may be a favorite time of year. Long, sunny days bring along greater opportunities to get outside and enjoy nature. But summer also brings with it a unique set of medical concerns. Homeopathy goes a long way in alleviating summer ailments. Also, since homeopathic medication has no side effects, it is safe for children and elders alike. Here are ways to prevent and treat a few of summer’s most common ailments.

Heat Exhaustion
One of the most common complaints of summer is heat exhaustion. Caused by excess physical activity in the sun, it occurs because the body loses salt in the form of sweat. The victim becomes weak and muscles cramp. This is accompanied by:
• Exhaustion
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Even headaches and spells of dizziness.
This person’s skin becomes cold, pale and clammy. The other consequences of heat exhaustion are heavy breathing; a rapid pulse, a sensation of nausea and at times the person may lose consciousness. The first thing to do in case of heat exhaustion is to lay the person down in a quiet place with the feet slightly raised. Loosen clothing and give the patient a cup of weakly salted water every 15 minutes. Fruit juices, too, are advised. Don’t leave heat exhaustion untreated because it may develop into a heat stroke, which usually follows prolonged exposure to very hot or humid conditions. In case one experiences a throbbing headache and a heavy head because of heat, five pills of GLONOINE in its sixth centismal potency will help. For fever with dry heat, a red face and sudden cold ACONITE 200C is useful.

Stomach diarrhoea
Stomach diarrhoea is another ailment common to summers. Seen mainly among children below five, it sometimes takes epidemic proportions if not controlled. Unhygienic surroundings, overcrowded places, contaminated places, milk or water and unclean vessels are mainly to blame. In summer, the water levels are low which leads to contamination of water. To overcome this, chlorine is added to the water and an excess of the chemical can cause irritation to the digestive tract leading to diarrhoea. CROTON TIG is a valuable remedy for summer diarrhoea.

Skin
Skin disorders too are very common during summer. Prickly is one such irritating ailment. Caused by excessive sweating, it is marked by small blisters particularly at the folds of the skin and wherever the clothing is tight. SULPHUR IOD in its sixth potency is useful for prickly heat accompanied by itching.

Nose Bleeding
Nose bleeding is another common complaint during hot summer months and it causes a lot of worry especially when it occurs in small children. Often there is not one particular cause attached to the condition but common colds, vigourous blowing or sneezing, a nose or head injury or even high blood pressure can cause bleeding. An immediate remedy is to sit upright with the head slightly forward. Firmly pinch the nose for at least 15 minutes while breathing through the mouth. Take MELILOTUS 30C once in every 20 minutes in case the bleeding is profuse.