Be cautious, drink plenty of fluids to avoid heatstroke: Doctors
New Delhi: The city is witnessing the hottest days of the season, recorded temperatures like 48 degree Celsius on Monday and continue with the same pace on Tuesday as well, giving no respite to the residents.
Doctors have reported at least 25 per cent increase in the number of patients complaining of symptoms similar to that of a heat stroke. Patients are suffering from high body temperature, higher than usual heart rate, cramps, headaches, loss of consciousness, and seizures.
"With the temperature at an all-time high, we are getting around 30 to 35 patients in the emergency response (ER) department every now and then. Most of the cases presented at the ER are of heat exhaustion, heat rash and heat stroke along with patients with other ailments like indigestion, dehydration and allergies," said Dr Umar Zahoor, Head of Emergency department, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre.
He also said that the under normal conditions, the body loses water daily through sweat, tears, breathing, urine, and stools. In a healthy person, this water is replaced by external fluids and food that contain water. The body loses a significant amount of water during fever, diarrhea, and vomiting, dropping the natural water level leading to dehydration.
"The body may also run out of the water if an individual is over-exposed to the sun and the water level is not restored. Heat stroke is closely associated with prolonged exposure to heat that leads to dehydration. A dehydrated body can lose essential body salts, such as sodium and potassium further leading to a heat stroke's," he added.
Another doctor said that to avoid falling ill, it is advisable to consume 3-4 liters of water every day. Also, a mixture of sugar and salt in water is a good option to prevent dehydration. "It is advisable to carry umbrella, water, glucose, and sunglasses along and wear light coloured clothes to protect you from direct sunlight." said, Dr Kuldeep Kumar, Assitant Professor, Guru Tegh Bahadur hospital. He also added that there is an upsurge of 40 percent of summer related complication in their OPD. For over last 4 years, nearly 4,620 people died in India due to heat stroke. A continuous rise in the temperature this year demands precautionary methods to be implemented, said Dr Zahoor.
"Mostly children and people who have to travel during the day fall victim to this terrible heat wave. We have seen about 10-15 cases of heat stroke and exhaustion. People showing any one of the symptoms need to visit the hospital immediately as a heat stroke can damage the brain," Dr Kuldeep added.
