• It is important not to self-medicate and to go to the hospital for examination and treatment for certain symptoms, since some diseases require immediate attention.
During the summer months, the number of consultations related to gastroenteritis, burns, conjunctivitis, bruises, among others, increases significantly. This increase is mainly due to seasonal factors that affect both adults and children, such as heat, humidity, sun exposure, footwear used and changes in diet and environment.
Dr. Alberto Puertas Tamayo, coordinator of the Emergency Department at the HM Málaga Hospital and the HM Santa Elena International Hospital (Torremolinos), highlights that “it is important not to self-medicate and to go to the Hospital for examination and treatment for certain symptoms, since some diseases require immediate attention.”
In the case of gastroenteritis, the symptoms are associated with diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain and fever. To do this, it is important to wash your hands frequently, especially before eating and after going to the bathroom, as well as eating well-cooked and perfectly refrigerated foods. To avoid cases of otitis, Dr. Puertas advises drying your ears well after swimming, using earplugs and avoiding excessive use of headphones.
Another common pathology is conjunctivitis, which can be caused by bacteria, viruses or chlorine. “If our eyes are red, we feel a foreign body, we have tears or discharge, we should be seen by a doctor to prevent the condition from developing negatively,” explains the Doctor. In addition, in these cases “we should avoid touching our eyes with dirty hands, use swimming goggles and not share towels.”
Cystitis is more common in women during the summer. Prolonged use of bathing suits is one of the most common reasons. Symptoms include “pain when urinating, frequent need to go to the bathroom and abdominal discomfort. Sometimes there is blood in the urine and in the most serious cases it will be accompanied by fever. It is advisable to change wet bathing suits as soon as possible, as well as drink plenty of water to maintain good hydration and eliminate bacteria.”
In addition, in the Emergency Room there are consultations related to fungi and bruises. Fungal infections are common during this time because the heat and humidity favor the growth of these microorganisms. Symptoms include itching, redness and peeling of the skin. To prevent this from happening, Dr. Puertas insists that “we must keep our feet and the skin under the folds dry and wear breathable footwear, avoid walking barefoot in swimming pools and showers, and wear cotton socks.” As for bruises, these are caused by wearing flip-flops, walking barefoot and slipping in swimming pools. “Bruising and swelling will occur in the affected toes and you should always go to the Emergency Room for an X-ray to rule out any fractures.”
To prevent heat stroke, the ER at HM Hospitals in Malaga recommends “staying in cool, well-ventilated places, avoiding intense physical activities during the hottest hours and drinking fluids regularly to stay hydrated.”
On the other hand, “among the main reasons for consultation among the youngest are sunburn, bites, otitis and allergies,” says Dr. María González, coordinator of the Pediatric Unit at HM Málaga; who adds that “in the case of otitis it is necessary to go to the Emergency Department to mitigate the pain and administer anti-inflammatories and antibiotics only if they are needed to slow the progression.”
To avoid sunburn, it is important to apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 every two hours, and after swimming or sweating; as well as avoiding exposure during the central hours of the day. On the other hand, the pediatrician recommends using an insect repellent suitable for children and checking their skin regularly to detect bites or rashes. If this occurs, it is important to go to the Emergency Department.
Children are especially vulnerable to the effects of heat, so it is crucial to ensure proper hydration and sun protection to avoid episodes of dehydration and sunstroke. In addition, special attention must be paid when children are engaged in outdoor activities to avoid heat stroke, falls and trauma, as well as accidents in the water.
According to Dr. González, “when a child is sick or injured, it is important not to delay medical attention. Especially in situations such as difficulty breathing, fainting or fainting, an allergic reaction that leads to swelling or hives, high fever with headache or stiff neck.” And, although they tend to be less common in summer, sudden changes in temperature due to the use of air conditioning can cause respiratory symptoms.
