Life has been disrupted due to the scorching heat in most of the states across the country. The problem of scorching heat and heat waves is causing life-threatening side effects. Thousands of people have fallen victim to heat stroke and side effects caused by heat so far. Health Ministry sources said on Thursday that at least 110 people have died due to severe heat between March 1 and June 18 this year and more than 41,789 people are suspected of heatstroke.
According to data compiled by the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) and partner institutions, Uttar Pradesh has been the worst affected state this time, with 36 deaths. After that, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Odisha have seen the most side effects of heat. On June 18 alone, six deaths have occurred due to heatstroke.
Problems caused by rising heat
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda on Wednesday directed that special heatwave units be set up in all central government hospitals to take care of people who fall ill due to heat.
Health experts say that the risk of heatstroke has been seen the most in the rising heat. In this, the body temperature rises very much, which can lead to death if not controlled in time.
Effect of extreme heat on overall health
Doctors say heat can be fatal in many different ways. The first risk from this is dehydration. During extreme heat, the body produces sweat to keep itself cool. However, if more water is lost from the body through sweat and urine and you do not drink enough water to compensate for it, then it starts thickening the blood. In these conditions, the risk of clotting increases, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Mechanisms that cool the body may fail
The body has many mechanisms to cool itself in response to high temperatures. As the skin heats up, the blood temperature also increases. A part of the brain called the hypothalamus detects such changes and instructs the blood vessels in the skin to dilate (widen). This brings more blood to the surface of the body and releases heat. Apart from this, excess body heat also goes away when sweat evaporates.
However, in severe cases of heatstroke and dehydration, the body temperature rises too much and the body's cooling mechanisms fail, which can be fatal.
There is also a risk of organ failure
Our body can tolerate temperatures up to 42-45 degrees Celsius. Prolonged exposure to temperatures higher than this can also cause damage to nerve cells and organ failure due to heat stroke. High temperature also causes blood pressure-related problems. There can be a risk of fainting along with low blood pressure.
If it is not treated on time, it can lead to heart failure.
(PC: ISTOCK)
