Common diseases during Hajj and Umrah

Posted by Ady Grewal on September 6th, 2019

Respiratory tract infections

Severe respiratory tract sicknesses are very common while Hajj or Umrah. Such harmful diseases transform the risk of transmission of airborne respiratory diseases by shared sleeping lodging. Plenty of pilgrims leave cough completing the Hajj and whereas this normally decreases a few weeks after returning home. If it continues or deteriorates, seek medical advice. Two serious conditions such as Tuberculosis and Pertussis can be transmitted from person to person, particularly under such crowded conditions. Therefore the Ministry of Health in KSA advises the wearing of surgical face masks in jam-packed places.

Asthma & chest infections

If it is well controlled during Hajj and Umrah, so Asthma should not pose a problem. Yet, Inhalers should use of a surgical face mask regularly as advised that helps to resist dust. Always carry your inhaler.

Smoking

Pilgrims should avoid smoking while whole Hajj or Umrah especially when they are in the state of Ihram. Moreover, it a great chance to give up this health risk habit.

Skin Care

As there are dry harsh conditions that may be encountered. So applying a good non-perfumed moisturizer numerous times a day, will benefit the skin and help it to acclimatize.

Just for men

As in the state of Ihram, men are not allowed to wear underwear thus sweating and the rubbing of the thighs together may cause during walking. To make thigs moisturize men are advised to use non-perfumed Vaseline.

Diabetes

Several pilgrims have their food included in their accommodation package of Umrah, but the patient of diabetes should make their arrangements where possible such as by buying brown bread and avoiding juices containing a lot of sugar.

High Blood Pressure

Pilgrims should visit Doctor several months before Hajj to stabilize blood pressure well before departure. If a patient is taking diuretics pilgrim may need to adjust the dose due to hot weather. In such case please seek advice.

Diarrhea and vomiting

Infections are likely to spread in circumstances where there are large crowds. They can spread either due to germs spread by droplets from pilgrim's mouths when they speak or cough or through direct contacts such as sharing a cup or a spoon. Therefore, pilgrims should avoid close contact with others who are ill. Visit them but keep a distance. Drink immense fluid, preferably oral rehydration salts to prevent from Diarrhea. Seek medical attention if it occurs more than six times in any twelve hours and is prolonged.

Arthritis

People suffer from arthritis in the hips, knees or ankles should try to lose weight if they are overheavy. Seek medical assistance to the physiotherapist on how best to control the condition before and during Hajj. If they occur during the Hajj particularly Tawaf, so take some form of pain killers and a Gel.

Dehydration

Dehydration happens when the body loses more fluid than taking in. It upsets the balance of minerals (salts and sugar) in the body when the normal water content of the body is reduced, which affects the way that it functions.