ven before it set in, this year’s summer heat promises to turn killer like last year when over 2,000 people died.
Doctors in emergency rooms are reporting increased footfalls attributed to the heat.
From young to old, the heatstroke affected present with increased body temperature, dehydration, fatigue and severe bouts of headaches.
Doctors warn against exposure to the heat and insist early treatment can help faster recovery. Delayed treatment can however be fatal in the elderly and young, doctors warn.
“Avoid unnecessary exposure outside. Wearing white cotton clothes and carrying water is essential. Ideally one of them should contain ORS,” advised Dr. Narasimhlu, nodal officer for infectious diseases at Gandhi Hospital.
Exhaustion
He warned against consumption of aerated or sugary drinks.
Health professionals point out that altered state of mind, confusion, high body temperature without diagnosis of infection, dryness and headache are symptoms that both individuals and their physicians should watch for.
Heatstroke and heat exhaustion usually warrant a visit to the emergency ward intravenous fluids are administered. Doctors however advised against lowering temperature with analgesics.
“Analgesics should not be used in heatstroke patients as it has no effect. Cooling with water is the best method to bring down temperature,” said Dr. Imron Shuban, Head of Emergency Department at Apollo Health City.
Both Dr. Shuban and Dr. Narasimhlu said adequate hydration can help prevent and minimise the impact of heat.
However they warned those working outdoor and athletes to not skip consuming adequate water to remain hydrated as heatstroke can strike without perceptible warning.
