The mercury has been consistently hovering around the 42-degrees C mark in the city and taking a toll on those exposed to intense heat even for a brief while. Headache, which often lasts for hours, is one of the many painful forms of uneasiness that people are facing.
Doctors say the reason for the lingering headache is loss of electrolytes such as sodium and potassium which play a key role in brain and nervous system functioning.
Explaining the importance of electrolytes, M. Vijay Saradhi, head of neurosurgery department at Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) here, said any change in electrolyte levels affects the brain which is a sensitive structure. He said that sodium is key to maintaining electric conduction in the brain and when its levels go down, brain function is affected. In such situations, people must consume salt water, said Dr. Saradhi.
ADVERTISEMENT
B. Nagender, superintendent of Osmania General Hospital, said when one sweats, the electrolytes are lost along with it. Headache is one reaction; people who are exposed to excess heat in summer also complain of muscle pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. He advised people to consume Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) solution and tender coconut water to restore electrolyte balance.
Worse to come
The mercury level in Hyderabad is set to cross this season’s highest of 43.2 degrees C, which was recorded on May 15. Officials of the Meteorological Centre, Hyderabad, said there are signs indicating that the temperature will soar further towards the end of the month.
ADVERTISEMENT
In the past decade, the highest temperature in the city in May was 44.5 degrees, recorded in 2010.