Cases of gastroenteritis are surging during the summer months in Andalucia, a leading doctor has warned.

Dr Francisco Sanchez, head of the Emergency Department at Quironsalud Cordoba Hospital, said high temperatures create favourable conditions for microorganisms to multiply, while people are also more likely to consume food that has deteriorated in the heat.

The result can be bouts of vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain, with more serious cases causing significant dehydration.

‘The problem isn’t only the infection, but the loss of water and electrolytes it can cause,’ Dr Sanchez explained.

‘If these aren’t adequately replaced, it can complicate the patient’s condition.’

The risk is particularly significant during periods of extreme heat because the body is already losing additional fluids through sweating.

Warning signs of dehydration

According to Dr Sanchez, emergency departments also see an increase in kidney stones and renal colic during the summer months, which can be linked to inadequate hydration.

‘When we don’t drink enough, urine becomes concentrated and the risk of kidney stones forming increases,’ he said.

Existing stones can also move, potentially causing renal colic and ‘very intense’ pain.

Dehydration can additionally contribute to biliary colic in people already susceptible to gallbladder problems, although the connection is less direct.

Men with prostate problems can also experience worsening urinary symptoms when dehydrated, while concentrated urine and reduced urine production can increase the risk of urinary tract infections.

Doctors say people suffering from gastroenteritis should watch particularly closely for signs of dehydration including a dry mouth, reduced urination, weakness, dizziness and unusual drowsiness.

Children, elderly people and those with chronic illnesses are considered particularly vulnerable because fluid loss can have more serious consequences more quickly.

When should you go to hospital?

Anyone suffering vomiting severe enough to prevent them keeping liquids down or very frequent diarrhoea should seek medical advice.

More serious warning signs include blood in the stools, a high fever, severe abdominal pain, confusion or a significant deterioration in someone’s general condition.

Preventing dehydration should be the priority when suffering from vomiting or diarrhoea.

‘It isn’t always easy to replace orally all the liquid that is lost when someone has significant vomiting or diarrhoea,’ Dr Sanchez said.

‘It is therefore essential to adequately replace fluids and monitor for signs of dehydration.’

People should also drink regularly during hot weather rather than waiting until they feel thirsty.

There is no universal amount of water everyone should consume, as requirements vary according to age, health, physical activity and weather conditions.

Foods with a high water content, including watermelon, melon, cucumber, tomato and lettuce, can also contribute to hydration.

Meanwhile, alcohol and drinks containing large quantities of sugar should be limited, particularly when they are being consumed instead of water.

Older people require particular attention because the sensation of thirst can diminish with age, meaning they may need to be encouraged to drink regularly.

‘Proper hydration is a simple measure that can help us prevent problems during the summer,’ Dr Sanchez said.

‘But it is also essential to pay attention to fluid loss when vomiting, diarrhoea or intense sweating occurs.

‘Replacing what we lose is particularly important to prevent what starts as a mild problem from ending up requiring emergency care.’

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.