Many states of the country are in the grip of severe heat waves these days. According to media reports, the mercury has crossed 48 degrees Celsius in many areas of the capital Delhi. The Meteorological Department has issued a 'red alert' regarding heat waves here till Wednesday. Health experts say, rising temperatures can be harmful to health in many ways. There is also a risk of its fatal side effects, hence everyone should be alert to prevent heatstroke.
According to data shared by the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, more than 16,000 cases of heatstroke have been reported in the country since March 1, while more than 60 people have died. High temperatures can have serious side effects on health. This can increase the risks ranging from brain problems to kidney liver failure.
Heatstroke can cause serious problems
Health experts say the rising temperature in many states of the country including Delhi-NCR is worrying.
Speaking to Amar Ujala, Vikramjit Singh, a doctor of intensive care at a hospital in Delhi, says that in the last few days, there has been an increase in the cases of heatstroke in the OPD and the emergency medicine department. Most of the patients mainly come with symptoms like an increase in body temperature, lethargy, weakness, and dry mouth. If the symptoms of heat stroke are not recognized or treated on time, there can be a risk of fatal side effects. Doctors say that even a little carelessness regarding heatstroke can prove fatal.
Elderly and small children are at greater risk
Dr. Vikramjit says, that to prevent the ill effects of heatstroke, the elderly and small children should avoid staying in the sun for long periods. This increases the risk of dehydration and heatstroke. Emergency medicine departments are seeing a 30-40% increase in patients with heat-related problems, the majority of whom are elderly or those with chronic respiratory, heart, and kidney diseases.
To avoid health risks, it is important to avoid excessive exposure to sunlight and drink plenty of water.
Problems may increase due to dehydration
Shrey Srivastava, a doctor of internal medicine at a hospital in Noida, says, dehydration (lack of water or dehydration) is the most common problem among people who are exposed to excess sunlight. In the beginning, due to lack of water, problems like dry mouth, weakness, and low blood pressure may occur. Losing too much water from the body through sweat can also lead to acute kidney injury and liver-related complications.
Protection from heat is necessary
Health experts say that it is important for all people to take precautions regarding heat protection. It is important to pay attention to some measures to prevent health problems or heatstroke-. caused by heat.
Keep drinking plenty of water and fluids throughout the day.
Wear light colored and loose clothes.
Keep your head and entire body covered while going out.
Avoid going out between 11 am and 4 pm.
Also avoid alcohol, coffee-tea, etc. This further increases the risk of dehydration.
If symptoms of heatstroke are visible then consult a doctor in time.
(PC: ISTOCK)
