Hyderabad : The city of Hyderabad is dealing with an unstable summer; there are many days that see temperatures rise to 40 degrees Celsius in the afternoon and then rainstorms come in the evening. Due to this weather change there has been a rise in gastrointestinal infections and acidity amongst the residents.
Hospitals in the Hyderabad have seen a huge rise in seasonal kinds of gastric problems. Diagnostic facilities are reporting an increase of 20-30% in patients diagnosed with acute diarrhoeal diseases (ADD), severe acidity conditions, and food poisoning. This increase of patients is primarily due to the rapid increase in bacterial growth within food and water as a result of these weather changes. Moreover, the temperatures are expected to increase more than already due to which a new alert was issued by the Telangana Department of Health recently.
Doctors have found that while increased temperatures can cause problems such as dehydration (which leads to constipation and acid reflux), the current humidity combined with changes in atmospheric pressure that occur just before monsoon season has created optimal conditions for certain pathogens (such as H. pylori and Salmonella) to flourish. Common clinical presentations seen within clinics in Hyderabad include first- Gastroenteritis/ ADD: These disorders are frequently seen among children and the elderly, mainly due to consumption of street food and/or storing of perishables incorrectly.
“Due to the high fluctuation in temperature in the summers in Hyderabad, what we are currently seeing is an increase not only in gastrointestinal infections but a change in the nature and the causative agents as well. The food spoils much faster in such weather, with bacteria growing faster. Hence any mild contamination of the food or water may cause infections. On the other hand, dehydration affects the body’s ability to digest, resulting in diarrhoea or constipation”, says Dr Ankita Srivastava, Chief of Labs at Neuberg Diagnostics, Hyderabad
Heat-induced Gastritis has also seen a dramatic increase in reported cases, especially among people working in the IT corridor, resulting from the consumption of excessive amounts of caffeine, combined with the fact that many workers are eating meals at irregular hours because they work such long hours. Additionally, there is an increasing number of patients reporting on piles and anal fissures as a direct result of dehydration related to the summer season as well as consumption of inadequate amounts of fibre.
Dr. Srivastava continues to add, ““It is vital to realize that some gastrointestinal problems in the summers may look minor and harmless in the initial stage; however, they might actually be symptoms of some infection such as typhoid, bacterial or parasitic. Therefore, testing for these diseases early on becomes very important.”
The issue of self-medication remains rampant, especially since it makes it difficult to pinpoint the real problem at hand, leading to increasing antibiotic resistance. “In these situations, an appropriate diagnosis method must be used. Some of the most commonly prescribed laboratory tests during this time frame are CBC, CRP, stool routine and microscopy, stool culture and sensitivity, and serum electrolyte analysis. This will determine the underlying problem and ensure that proper treatment can be provided”, she concludes.
Experts warn that the recent India Gut Health Report from 2026 indicates that 82% of Indians have acidity but only a small percentage seek a proper diagnostic evaluation, leaving them with the chance of not being diagnosed with an underlying infection.
In times of severe weather, it’s essential to take a “Gut-First” approach by drinking ORS or buttermilk for hydration, not eating roadside raw salads, and eating hot foods instead of cold foods. Identifying gut problems early through professional screening will be important to keep you and your family safe and healthy this summer.
