Water is as essential for human existence as oxygen is. In fact, it is impossible to imagine survival without water. You need it for every daily activity as well as maintaining good health. At the same time, it is important to realize that drinking water has to be pure and clean to be fit for human consumption. It is most likely to make you sick if infected with contaminants. There are several water-borne diseases which can be caused by the presence of harmful microorganisms in drinking water. While some of them are not serious, others can be life-threatening. However, most of these diseases are preventable and drinking clean water is the best precautionary measure you can take. Drinking boiled or bottled water is a good idea. But if you are looking for a convenient and sure way to get clean drinking water every day, the utility of a kitchen filter is unmatched.
Here are all the diseases that can be prevented by drinking clean water:
Cholera is a disease widespread in underdeveloped and developing nations, which are still struggling with sanitation issues. The disease is attributed to a bacteria called vibrio cholerae, which harbor themselves in contaminated food or water. It affects the intestines and is manifested by symptoms such as severe diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting. The severe form of diarrhea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. The condition can become fatal, with the excessive loss of fluids leading to seizures, unconsciousness, and even coma or death.
Another serious disease associated with contaminated water is e-coli, which is caused by a bacterium called Escherichia coli. The bacteria is resistant to chlorine and this is the reason why it usually exists in municipal water supplies. It is also found in dairy products and undercooked meat. E-coli infection can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, high fever, and abdominal cramps. The bacteria can be toxic and at the worse, it can cause kidney failure.
Dysentery is a common water-borne disease widely prevalent in developing countries. It is a bacterial infection caused by a microorganism called shigella, which like the cholera bacteria, attacks the intestine. Dysentery is characterized by fever, abdominal cramps, bloody stool, and anal pain. In its uncomplicated form, the disease goes away in 5 to 7 days even if not treated. But severe diarrhea can sometimes make it fatal.
Typhoid fever is a serious infection that is caused by drinking water contaminated with Salmonella typhi bacterium. It is also propagated by physical contact with an infected person and eating infected food. A person suffering from typhoid comes across symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal rashes, loss of appetite, and general weakness. The fever continues for three weeks and then gradually subsides.
A common intestinal parasite Giardia lambia is responsible for an infectious disease called Giardiasis. This is a chlorine-resistant microorganism which reaches the digestive tract with infected drinking water. Once inside the intestines, it houses itself therein and is capable of prolonged survival. The patient suffers from digestive issues such as diarrhea, bloating, dehydration, loss of appetite, and mild fever.
All these diseases are common and sometimes serious. But surprisingly, these are preventable too. There are vaccinations available for most of these diseases. However, drinking clean, filtered water is the best way to safeguard your family against these diseases. Having the tap water at your home tested for contaminants is the first step. If you find something amiss, it would be a good idea to have a water filter tap installed. It frees you from the hassle of boiling and is cost-effective as compared to bottled water. A water filter for your kitchen is the best investment that you can mak