Bahrain's main hospital has witnessed a surge in patients suffering from stomach complaints after gorging themselves following Ramadan fasting.

 

Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) Accident and Emergency Department has had to deal with an influx of patients with peptic ulcers and gall bladder conditions during the evening hours, SMC medical services chief Dr Jassim Al Mehza told the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

 

"We have definitely noticed a rush after Iftar hours," said Dr Al Mehza.

 

"Particularly from a surgical point of view, patients with gall bladder problems and peptic ulcers can show up with worsening symptoms when they eat heavy meals."

 

People suffering from gall bladder conditions, which cause pain in the lower torso and upper back, can suffer intermittent bouts of severe pain after eating too much food, Dr Al Mehza said.

 

Peptic ulcers, meanwhile, can cause burning pain in the stomach between meals or during the night, as well as heartburn and nausea.

 

"We have not done a study on these cases yet, hence no statistics are available as of now," the doctor said.

 

"But the rush of patients after Iftar hours, which continues until midnight, is a pattern that repeats every year."

 

Dr Al Mehza cautioned that patients suffering from conditions such as diabetes and hypertension should take extra care if fasting.

 

"Patients with chronic diseases must make their medication a priority during the days of fasting," he said.

 

"Sickle cell patients must be watchful of dehydration and I prefer that all patients leave the decision of fasting to their doctors.

 

"They must take in fluids, try to avoid intensive work outside and abstain from heavy meals during evening hours after fasting."

 

Meanwhile, SMC nutrition department head Dr Nadia Gharib cautioned that many people do not break their fast sensibly. "People need to be gentle on their stomach after a full day of fasting," she said.

 

"They should start with some soup or juice before going straight for a full meal, which can cause abdominal pain.

 

"They should also avoid eating quickly - take your time to chew your food. Gastroenteritis, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pains are all the result of bad dietary habits." - TradeArabia News Service