As part of the service dubbed “Pilgrims health is our concern”, provided by the Ministry of Health for the seventh consecutive year, the Media Information and Health Awareness Center had an interview with Dr. Nasser Al-Dossari, consultant and head of Digestive System and Liver Division, at King Saud Medical Complex, to provide answers to the enquiries made by pilgrims with digestive diseases, through the toll-free number: 8002494444. Most enquiries are basically centered upon the ways to cure or avert the symptoms of such diseases, such as hyperacidity, eructation, repletion and abdominal pains usually caused by diarrhea, constipation, colic, nausea or dehydration.
Dr. Al-Dossari pointed out that constipation is one of the most common digestive disorders, and advised pilgrims to eat much fresh and well-washed vegetables and fruit, especially the high-fiber fruits, such as figs and apricots, inasmuch as such fruit varieties help treat constipation. Besides, pilgrims suffering constipation have to drink much liquid, especially water (not less than 1-2 liters per day), in addition to using laxatives when necessary after seeing a doctor. He further explained that the type of constipation varies according to the patient's age, as it might be caused by an organic – rather than functional – disorder. It is advisable for each pilgrim to see a doctor before setting out for Hajj, he added.
Al-Dossari went on to say that pilgrims suffering colic, nausea or diarrhea, with all the subsequent abdominal pains and digestive disorders should see a doctor to know the reason and take the proper medication. Meanwhile, he continued, diarrhea medicines must not be taken without consulting a doctor, as they may be hazardous in some cases.
In conclusion, Dr. Nasser Al-Dossari said pilgrims might suffer dehydration owing to fatigue and respiration without drinking enough liquid. He warned against such symptoms, especially with older people, children and patients with cardiac and renal diseases. Pilgrims, therefore, should not neglect the treatment of gastrointestinal catarrh. It is necessary in cases of hydration, Al-Dossari emphasized, to take at once the needed quantity of the solution of the drought, drink much liquid, and go to the nearest health center.