Sonia Gandhi Hospitalised: What A 'Stomach Issue' In Rainy Season Might Mask For Elderly People

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On Sunday evening, June 15, 2025, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi was admitted to Delhi's Sir Ganga Ram Hospital due to stomach-related discomfort. Medical officials confirmed she is currently under observation in the hospital's gastroenterology unit and remains in stable condition.

While details about the specific stomach issue are scant, the timing cannot be ignored. Monsoon season heightens digestive concerns across all age groups-but particularly among seniors, for whom even mild gut disturbances can escalate more quickly.

Photo Credit: Oneindia

From foodborne infections to weakened digestive systems, older adults are far more vulnerable than the average person during this season. Here's what causes it and how to stay safe.

Why Gut Health Declines With Age

As we age, our digestive systems slow down. The stomach produces less acid, digestive enzymes become weaker, and the gut lining thins out. This combination makes it harder to digest food efficiently and easier for infections to take hold.

The elderly also tend to have a less robust gut microbiome-the colony of good bacteria that protects the digestive tract from harmful invaders. This makes them more prone to gas, bloating, indigestion, and foodborne illnesses even with minor dietary changes.

How Monsoon Weather Worsens the Situation

The rainy season is a breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Contaminated water, improperly stored food, and even damp kitchen conditions can contribute to stomach infections. In the elderly, whose immune systems are already weakened, these infections can escalate quickly.
Humidity also impacts digestion. Excessive moisture in the air can reduce appetite, slow down metabolism, and lead to gastrointestinal sluggishness. As a result, even a small stomach bug can turn into severe dehydration or electrolyte imbalance in older adults.

Common Stomach Issues In Seniors During Monsoon

One of the most common problems is gastroenteritis, which causes vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal cramps. Even if the infection is mild, the loss of fluids and nutrients can be dangerous for an elderly person.

Other concerns include acid reflux, constipation, and bloating-all of which become more common when routines are disrupted due to bad weather, reduced physical activity, or eating improperly stored or reheated food.

Parasitic infections, like giardiasis or amoebiasis, also see a rise during monsoon due to contaminated drinking water. These infections can linger longer in older people and result in prolonged weakness and weight loss.

How To Keep Elderly Safe From Gut Issues During Monsoon

Maintaining strict food hygiene is the first line of defense. Always ensure fruits and vegetables are thoroughly washed, and drinking water is either filtered or boiled. Encourage seniors to eat freshly prepared food instead of reheated meals, as bacterial contamination is more common in leftovers.

Probiotics-either in the form of curd, buttermilk, or supplements-can support gut health and immunity. Warm herbal teas like ginger or fennel tea can soothe digestion and prevent bloating.

If the elderly person is on medications (such as antibiotics or antacids), they should also be monitored closely during the rainy season, as these drugs can further disrupt the gut microbiome or mask symptoms of infections.

When To Seek Medical Attention

Signs like persistent vomiting, severe diarrhoea, fever, or dehydration in an elderly person should not be ignored, especially during the monsoon. Even mild symptoms like loss of appetite or stomach discomfort can indicate an underlying infection or imbalance.

Medical intervention is crucial when symptoms last longer than 48 hours or if the person has pre-existing conditions like diabetes, kidney issues, or heart disease, which can complicate recovery. The elderly are not just more prone to illness during monsoon-they're also less likely to bounce back quickly from it.

Whether it's your parent, grandparent, or a neighbour, now is the time to be extra cautious. Monsoon is a beautiful season-but for senior citizens, it's also the most vulnerable one. Awareness, early action, and better food hygiene can go a long way in keeping them safe and healthy.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.