With the mercury soaring over 40 degrees Celsius mark, city doctors have warned against heatstroke and related medical condition stating that it is a medical emergency and can be fatal if not promptly and properly treated.
“While heatstroke may appear to be a short-lived medical episode, if ignored, it can become a serious cardio or a neuro concern,” said Dr. Rajiv Dang, medical adviser and director, internal medicine at Max Hospital Gurugram.
He added that heatstroke usually causes nausea, cramps, irritation, disorientation, and in extreme cases induce coma.
“Although heatstroke mainly affects people with low tolerance levels/immunity [mainly elderlies], it can also take a toll on a younger age bracket. It is important to stay hydrated and calm during this weather. If a person is feeling dizzy or suffering from heat cramps [rapid pulse, rapid breathing, and headache], he should immediately seek medical treatment as this can cause serious cardio and neuro problems in the future,” he said. Doctors say it is important for the public to keep their health in check.
Heatstrokes and related medical conditions have become common and it is important to be aware and be prepared to deal with it. Heatstrokes occur due to a prolonged exposure to high temperatures, clubbed with poor hydration levels which lead to failure of body’s temperature control system.
Precautionary measures
“We are seeing a surge of 30% hike in viral fever and other infections including upper respiratory infection patients. It is important that people take measures to prevent these diseases by avoiding close contact with ill people, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene and monitoring child’s health,” said Dr. Ashish Khattar, Venkateshwar Hospital, Dwarka.
He added that another problem that people face is that of dehydration. “People tend to form a habit of drinking less water during winters, which continues with the initial summer months. It is important that the bodies are kept hydrated by increasing our fluid intake, including juice, traditional lemonades, and water,” he said.
Physicians have also said that chronic conditions such as diabetes can become tougher to manage in summers. Extreme heat causes blood glucose levels to fluctuate drastically apart from leading to dehydration and exhaustion. Unless one takes adequate precautions, this can lead to heatstrokes.
