Is your stomach bloated? Could be gastroenteritis, say doctors amid rising cases in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: Experiencing stomach trouble in recent days? It might be more than just a bad meal. Hospitals across the city are witnessing a surge in gastrointestinal cases, with doctors pointing to a combination of seasonal shifts, poor sanitation and environmental stressors as the main culprits.
Dr BS Ravindra, director of the department of gastroenterology and hepatology, Fortis Hospitals, said, "We're seeing an unusual spike in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) cases — 10-15 new cases a day, up from the usual two or three. Even old cases are flaring up more frequently, with a 25-30% increase in relapses. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are becoming more aggressive, more acute. Patients walk in with symptoms that seem like routine gastroenteritis, but it's not so simple anymore.
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Dr Ravindra suspects rising temperatures, contaminated food and water and food-borne infections during summer and early monsoon seasons as the reasons. "These factors are disrupting gut health and immunity, leading to sudden, intense aggravations of chronic disease. Even general gastroenteritis cases have jumped 15-20%."
At Kauvery Hospitals, Dr Balaji Gurappa, consultant - gastroenterology, hepatology and interventional endoscopy, reported a similar trend.
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"We're currently seeing around 15 cases of gastroenteritis a day — a 60% spike compared to non-seasonal times. Rain, with stagnant water and poor sanitation, become an ideal condition for bacteria, viruses, and parasites to thrive. Infections peak during this period, leading to fever, stomach pain, vomiting, and dehydration.
For patients with IBD, these infections act as triggers, reactivating dormant disease.
Their recovery is slower, symptoms more stubborn."
Dr Anoop KR, consultant - gastrointestinal science, Manipal Hospitals, noted many patients are elderly and already vulnerable because of pre-existing conditions. "We're seeing nearly six cases every day. It's a seasonal alert, but it's also a wake-up call: What we eat and how we live directly impact our gut health."
Dr Adarsh CK, chief consultant gastroenterologist and hepatologist, Gleneagles BGS Hospital, said, "In recent weeks, we've definitely seen a spike in GI cases, 3-4 patients daily, much more than usual. The causes fall into two categories. First, poor lifestyle: Processed foods, junk, sugary drinks, no exercise, smoking, alcohol, classic signs of unhealthy westernisation. These lead to acid reflux, gastritis, IBS, even fatty liver.
Second, a rise in infections, especially gastroenteritis, often triggered by weather changes."
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