Ewha Womans University Medical Center warned people of enteritis ― or inflation of the small intestine ― as the number of patients tend to soar during summer. The hospital’s professor Jung Sung-ae said that the number of people visiting the hospital with the condition last month was up by 70 percent compared to the same month last year.

Enteritis is an inflammation on the colon, causing stomachache, diarrhea, nausea and other symptoms. Diarrhea and nausea can eventually lead to dehydration.

“One must always use boiled water for drinking. Adding a little bit of sugar and salt will help. Once diarrhea subsides, take some porridge or miso soup,” Jung said.

“Eating fruit, vegetables or sushi is not a good idea (for people with enteritis),” she added. She stressed that personal hygiene was the most important preventative measure against enteritis.

(baejisook@heraldcorp.com)