- Fungus, dehydration, gastroenteritis, melancholic crisis, urinary and vaginal infections, fractures and sprains are among the pathologies that trigger the emergencies during the summer season.
- Most of the emergency visits during these months are made by residents.
- Dermatological conditions such as sunburn, fungus or bites do not reach consultation, but are treated in pharmacies
Barcelona, July 17, 2018.- Summer means, in most cases, a break in the daily routine and not only in terms of the work environment, but also of our personal habits and customs. We change our diet, physical activity, sexuality, and even our mentality and we allow ourselves certain licenses that can have consequences on our health. In fact, Top Doctors experts say that they usually experience an increase in the number of emergency consultations between 20% and 50%. The specialists of Top Doctors.es®, an online platform to find and contact the best medical specialists in private healthcare, audited and certified by the most rigorous selection process of doctors in the world, review the most common summer pathologies:
Vaginal and urinary tract infections.
These are the two most common gynecological infections during this time of the year. Gynecology and obstetrics centers may experience an increase of up to 30% in the number of emergencies, 5% of which come from tourists and the remaining 25% from local residents.
Vaginal yeast infections cause annoying itching among sufferers as well as increased discharge, which usually disappears in a matter of days after applying an anti-fungal treatment. In the case of urinary tract infections, these cause continuous urge to go to the bathroom, voiding little amount and must be treated with antibiotics. “For those who are susceptible to contracting them, it is advisable to frequently eat blueberries and drink plenty of liquids to prevent their appearance during these months,” assures Gynecologist García-Manero.
Fractures and joint sprains
The good temperatures invite us to go outside and increase our sporting activity, which is directly related to an increase in the percentage of trauma emergencies of up to 20% during this time of the year. Spinal pain, joint sprains and fractures are the most frequent pathologies. Dr. Alberto Marqués, a specialist in sports traumatology, assures that “for the prevention of these pathologies, a good warm-up before and stretching after any sports activity is essential, as well as correct hydration and adapting the activity to our general physical condition”.
Melancholic crises, isolation or sense of failure
The work stoppage during the vacations leads many people to take stock of their personal and professional situation, which can affect their mental health. Dr. Silvia Saskyn assures that emergency appointments in psychology centers increase in summer, 90% of the cases being from residents, as opposed to the 10% that come from tourists.
“This is a period in which many factors come together, such as economic factors, relationships with family and friends, the fact of having time to think about achievements, failures, or unfulfilled ideals, etc. All this can lead to the appearance of melancholic crises, accompanied by a feeling of disinterest, confinement or isolation during these months,” says Dr. Silvia Saskyn. Prevention lies fundamentally in the person consulting a specialist the moment he/she begins to feel overwhelmed or sad, without waiting for despair to appear.
Baro-traumas, vertigo and otitis
Sudden changes in temperature, contact with water, vocal abuse or excesses in the intake of alcohol and food, cause otological emergencies to increase by up to 30% during the summer, especially in coastal areas. In fact, the physical and psychological stress to which our body is often subjected can lead to the appearance of vestibular problems (vertigo) during this time of the year. In addition, otolaryngologists also receive emergency visits for problems derived from the practice of activities such as diving, which can lead to baro-traumas or atotubaritis, pathologies that occur as a result of a sudden decompression during the execution of this sport and that can lead to serious hearing problems. There is also a frequent increase in cases of otitis as a consequence of swimming. To prevent this type of affections, Dr. Roberto Valdés Pons, specialist in otorhinolaryngology, advises “to avoid sudden changes in temperature and to practice water sports with due precaution and training, since these are the main causes of the increase in otological consultations”.
Acute eruptions, mosquito or fungus bites
The increased exposure to the sun during this time of the year can cause various acute skin eruptions such as sudamen, fungi, solar allergies or outbreaks of cutaneous lupus. Likewise, dermatological conditions such as sunburn or mosquito or jellyfish bites are also frequent in summer. However, although it may be necessary to visit a dermatologist, these types of conditions rarely reach the doctor’s office. In fact, dermatologist Lorena Leal states that “patients are usually reluctant to go to a specialist for these types of seasonal conditions, as they are usually pathologies derived from incorrect behavior on the part of the patient, and they tend to go to pharmacies or red cross centers on the beach itself in search of solutions such as aftersun or products to soothe itching or stinging”. In the case of consultation visits, these are usually made by residents of the locality in question.
Dehydration and gastroenteritis
Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable and susceptible to gastrointestinal pathologies during the summer months. These types of illnesses are usually circumstantial and, if treated correctly, disappear within a few days without major consequences. Even so, the number of emergency consultations in centers specialized in the digestive system doubles during the summer. Food poisoning is most often caused by a break in the cold chain in food preservation. Dehydration problems are also frequent. To avoid this type of disorders, Dr. Carlos de Sola advises “drinking water, eating in moderation and in a varied way, controlling the usual medication and not abusing alcohol.
Experts indicate that the key lies in the knowledge of our general physical and mental state, as well as in carrying out basic preventive measures that may jeopardize our enjoyment and rest during the summer months.
The following Top Doctors.es® specialists have collaborated in the writing of this communication:
Dr. Roberto Valdés Pons, specialist in Otorhinolaryngology.
Dr. Carlos de Sola, specialist in Digestive System.
Dr. Alberto Marqués, Traumatologist
Dr. García-Manero, specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics
Dr. Silvia Saskyn, specialist in Clinical Psychology
Dr. Lorena Leal, specialist in Dermatology