3 Surprising Illnesses You Can Get From Swimming (And How To Avoid Them)

Whether you’re hanging out by the pool, traveling to a nearby lake or going on a beach vacation (lucky you), spending time by some body of water—no matter how big or small—makes the summer heat bearable (and way more fun).

Once you’ve picked your favorite swim spot, it’s time to pack the essentials. Make sure you don’t forget to bring something to read (whether its gossip magazines or that book you’ve been meaning to start), stylish sunnies, a comfy cover-up, SPF and water (lots of water)—all those items that are sure to keep you happy and healthy all day long. 

Unfortunately, though, one thing you can’t exactly pack for—all the germs you may encounter in the water (yuck!).

But let’s not dwell on this major summer bummer! While germs may be an inevitable part of swimming, Hira Kohli, MD, a primary care provider at the GMC PrimaryCare & Specialty Center-Suwanee, shares what you need to know about the most common illnesses, symptoms to spot and tips to keep germs at bay.

Potty Problems. Nothing stops a pool party faster than a case of diarrhea. Oddly enough, that’s one of the most common illnesses you can pick up from swimming in lakes, pools and the ocean (yikes!). The germs that cause this dreaded symptom are a mouthful—crytosporidium, giardia, shigella…etc., you get the point.

Symptoms to watch for: While your tummy troubles may be the result of too much ice cream, if you have persistent diarrhea (5+ days), chills, fever, dry mouth, flushed skin or headache, it’s time to see a medical expert.

How to avoid it: Unfortunately, many of the common culprits that cause diarrhea can survive for days in bodies of water. The best way to prevent getting sick is to be sure that you don’t swallow any water—not even a tiny amount. And if you’re at the beach, minimize digging in the sand as some germs are buried underneath the surface.

Skin Struggles. As if you didn’t have enough to worry about with bug bites, poison ivy and sunburns, now there are rashes that you can get from swimming in lakes, pools and the ocean. Everything from the infamous hot-tub rash (pools and fresh water) and swimmer’s itch (fresh water) to staph infections (ocean) and more, are surprisingly common.

Symptoms to watch for: While most of these rashes appear as itchy, red bumps (like bug bites) within the first 48 hours, if they escalate to large blisters or abscesses, and/or last for more than 5 days, make sure to see your health care provider.

How to avoid it: For starters, one of the best things you can do is steer clear of the hot tub. There are two reasons for this: bacteria and germs thrive in warm water, and chlorine and other protective chemicals break down much faster in hot water. Also, make sure to rinse off after you’re done swimming, get all of those irritants off your skin ASAP.

Breathing Barriers. No one tries to breath in water, because when you do, it stings like crazy. However, getting a nose full of water isn't just annoying, it could also make you sick. In fact, breathing in just a little bit of water (steam or mist) can cause a lung infection, thanks to the bacteria, Legionella.

Symptoms to watch for: In some instances, symptoms are mild and resemble the flu—fever, headaches and all-over aches—that go away within 2 to 4 days. In more serious cases, you’ll experience pneumonia-like symptoms, including coughing, fever and lethargy. If your symptoms last longer than just a few days, it’s time for care from your medical expert.

How to avoid it: If you’re still on the fence about hot tubs, this may be enough to convince you—Legionella loves warm water. And if you can’t resist that steamy hot tub, make sure that it's routinely cleaned and disinfected.

Make a splash.

The sad truth is there are germs just about everywhere (like our cellphones), so why would we assume that swim spots are any different? But you shouldn’t let all those yucky germs keep you from enjoying ample splash time this summer.

To help you just keep swimming—and enjoying all the best parts of summer—the experts at the GMC Primary Care & Specialty Center-Suwanee offer latest treatment options, up-to-date technology and a spa-like environment all in a convenient location that’s close to home.

Should I Be Worried About E. Coli?

Romaine lettuce, beloved for its crispy crunchiness, mild flavor and nutrients, has taken a bit of a hit thanks to a recent E. coli outbreak that has spread across 16 different states (Georgia is now one of them).

While at first you may have thought it worth the risk to enjoy eating this leafy green, by now you know that even restaurants and grocery stores are steering clear of romaine lettuce (all varieties), just to be safe. So, as the number of E. coli cases continues to grow you’re likely wondering if you’re at risk for E. Coli?

But before we tackle that question, we have a few truth bombs to drop on you.

First, what you think you know about E. Coli may be all wrong. For instance, did you know that E. Coli, the abbreviation for Escherichia coli, isn’t just one type of bacteria, it’s actually an entire group of diverse bacteria (with the Shiga toxin-producing E. coli being the culprit for many outbreaks)? Or that E. coli isn’t all bad and that it actually lives in the intestines of healthy people and plays an important role in the digestive process?

So, now that we have some of the misconceptions cleared up about E. Coli, let’s get a better understanding of what your overall risk may be.

The truth is, while this recent romaine lettuce recall is top-of-mind, there are E. Coli outbreaks every year (causing nearly 265,000 cases annually) that you may not have heard anything about (in the last 5 years there have been 12 different outbreaks).

But before you worry that the Shiga toxin-producing E. coli is lurking in your favorite lettuce mix, fresh produce, or any food for that matter, here is some reassuring information to keep in mind: most cases of E. Coli clear up in 5 to 7 days with minimal treatment. With that being said, it’s still important to know the key symptoms to watch for, so you don’t worry every time you have a stomach ache.

The most common symptomsto watch for include:

·         Persistent diarrhea (oftentimes bloody)

·         Severe stomach cramps

·         Nausea and/or vomiting

If you notice any of these symptoms, especially if you’ve eaten romaine lettuce 2 to 8 days before then, it is best to see your primary care provider—just to be safe. In rare cases, Shiga toxin-producing E. coli can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious complication that causes kidney failure. And not to state the obvious, but for the time being, opt for a different type of lettuce (e.g., iceberg, spinach, arugula…etc.) in place of romaine.

In the event that you experience symptoms and need urgent care, ChoiceOne Urgent Care is prepared to offer complete care, 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Everyone Has Diarrhea: 7 Things You Should Know

The runs. The squirts. Or just plain ol’ diarrhea. Whatever name you give it, there’s simply no denying that it stinks—in more ways than one. Between the cramping, pain, urgency and discomfort, having diarrheais just downright miserable.

And thanks to a variety of different causes—ranging from infections and food allergies to medication reactions and IBS—it may seem impossible to avoid that next, looming episode of tummy torture. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of a bad situation.

So, while it may feel like your stomach hates you, diarrhea is usually just a temporary condition that will pass in a day or 2. But, depending on your symptoms, a day or 2 may feel like an eternity. Here are 7 things to keep in mind the next time it strikes (some of them will help you find the relief you need ASAP):

  1. The most common causes of diarrhea:

·         Contaminated food or water (bacteria that may contaminate food or water include campylobacter, salmonella, shigella and E. coli)

·         Viral infection (viruses that can cause diarrhea include rotavirus (especially in children), Norwalk virus (found in some shellfish), cytomegalovirus and viral hepatitis)

·         Food intolerance (people who are lactose intolerant are not able to digest the sugar found in milk and frequently have diarrhea if they drink milk or other dairy products)

·         Medications (medicines such as antibiotics and antacids that contain magnesium)

   2. Chronic diarrhea is common and these are the top causes:

·         Celiac disease is a digestive disease caused by the body's abnormal response to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. In people with celiac disease, the gluten causes a loss of the villi, the finger-like projections in the intestine that absorb nutrients and fluids. This leads to chronic diarrhea, gas and other gastrointestinal problems.

·         Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder that interferes with the function of the large intestine (colon). Diarrhea is one symptom of IBS; others include abdominal pain, bloating and constipation.

·         Diabetes can also cause constipation or diarrhea.

   3. Diarrhea and children:

·         More than 55,000 children in the US will have a Rotavirus infection, which oftentimes causes severe diarrhea. Many of the cases occur in the winter and early spring, and are common in day-care centers and children's hospitals. Rotavirus diarrhea usually goes away in 3 to 8 days.

   4. What’s normal and what’s not:

·         There’s more to diarrhea than meets the eye. Oftentimes, these episodes will be accompanied by a variety of other symptoms, such as: abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, dehydration and fever.

·         You should call your doctor if your diarrhea continues for more than 3 days; you have severe pain in your abdomen or rectum; you have a fever of at least 102° F (39° C); you have blood in your stool or have black, tarry stools; or you have signs of dehydration.

   5. You should definitely not drink this:

·         Avoid beverages that contain caffeine such as coffee, tea, and soda. Fruit juice, sugary drinks, and sports drinks can make diarrhea and dehydration worse. For infants and children with more than mild diarrhea, a doctor usually recommends special beverages that contain electrolytes.

·         Instead, opt for water or broth.

   6. Foods to have in your pantry: (your stomach will thank you)

·         It's best to eat soft, bland foods until your diarrhea goes away—think bananas, rice, applesauce, eggs, crackers and plain toast.

·         Make sure to avoid milk and milk products, as well as foods that are greasy, high in fiber or very sweet.

   7. Don’t suffer through it, instead try this:

·         There are a variety of different remedies that can help to soothe stomach suffering—that bright-pink, chalky liquid comes to mind, right? But, if that isn’t working, you may start to feel desperate for some much needed relief (trust us, we get it). That’s why Gwinnett Medical Group Primary Care offers the care you need exactly when you need it.

·        And with a convenient new location in Suwanee, you can enjoy one-stop access to primary care and gastroenterology services—not to mention cardiology, OB/GYN and rheumatology care.