HYDERABAD: As the temperature continues to soar, doctors are receiving cases of heat stroke and heat-induced illness. Under immense heat and dry weather, the body is prone to dehydration which could trigger complications.
Dr Shiva Raju K., head of medicine department, KIMS Hospitals, told Deccan Chronicle, “We have at least five patients coming in with complaints of dehydration and heat strokes. We are expecting more in the next two weeks as the heat continues to rise.”
Sources at Fever Hospital, Nallakunta, said that the hospital was receiving at least 20 patients with similar complaints for the last few days. Some of them needed a day’s hospitalisation and IV fluids.
Dr Dilip Gude, a city-based senior consultant physician, said the degree and time of exposure to the sun would influence the severity of heat strokes as the body can lose water, salts and minerals. Excess exposure to heat can lead to a condition called ‘insensible water loss’, where the body may lose around one litre of water.
“Dehydration is the major reason for heat-induced illnesses which can affect organs like kidneys, liver and in some extreme cases even the brain,” Dr Gude said.
Doctors also cautioned that people in the 50+ age-group category with co-morbid conditions and children below ten years were more prone to heat strokes and should avoid the sun.
Do’s and Don'ts:
Avoid stepping out from 12 noon to 4 pm
Wear loose cotton clothing, caps
Drink a lot of water every day
Water, buttermilk, coconut water and sugar-less fruit juices are the best bets
Avoid alcohol and drinks with sugar added
