With temperatures soaring, diarrhoea cases are on the rise, especially among children, leading to an influx of patients seeking treatment at hospitals like Dhaka's icddr,b.

Six-year-old Nuzhat's recent admission to the hospital due to severe diarrhoea highlights the growing concern. Doctors caution that the body's sodium and potassium levels can plummet rapidly during diarrhoea, requiring days for recovery.

Nuzhat's father, Simon, shared that another of his children is also experiencing stomach issues, underscoring a broader trend. The hospital, which typically sees around 300 diarrhoea patients daily, now handles 450-500 cases, with an average of 15 hourly admissions.

This surge is attributed to the prevailing mild to moderate heatwave across the country, leading to increased demand for water and, consequently, waterborne diseases like diarrhoea. Children are particularly vulnerable.

Roksana, from Dhaka's Jatrabari area, arrived at the hospital with her 17-month-old son, Minhaj, who was suffering from vomiting and loose stools. Despite initial treatment, his condition deteriorated, prompting hospitalization.

Rashedul Islam, from Kamrangirchar, brought his one-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Farin, to icddr,b, fearing her diarrhoea was triggered by the intense heat.

Experts emphasize that diarrhoea stems from contaminated water sources, often tainted by sewage. Poor sanitation practices, inadequate hand hygiene, and unhygienic food storage further contribute to its spread.

Shoaib Bin Islam, an assistant scientist at icddr,b, notes a significant uptick in patient numbers due to recent sweltering conditions, surpassing 500 admissions per day, up from the usual 250-300. If the heat persists and more people return to Dhaka after Eid holidays, the strain on healthcare facilities may worsen.

To combat diarrhoea and waterborne diseases, hospital doctors and health experts advocate for proper hygiene practices and cautious water consumption. While there's no immediate cure, timely treatment with oral rehydration solutions and medications can aid recovery.