Shades Out, Sunscreen On! Summer has officially hit India, what confirms it? ‘The Heat Waves' of course.
As June approaches, The Heat Waves have gotten worse which is causing inconvenience to people. Experts are concerned that the number of patients with "heat-wave" related illnesses in hospitals across the nation may increase in the days ahead.
According to reports, Fortis Hospital in Noida's director of internal medicine, Dr. Ajay Agarwal, stated that the current rate of patients experiencing heat exhaustion has risen by 20 to 30 percent. People are also reporting cramps and nausea. He continued that they have noticed a rise in patients complaining of stomach pain along with recurrent episodes of loose motion and vomiting following sun exposure. Patients are seeking care earlier because of this year's early summer.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports that May is seeing more heatwave days than normal in a number of states, with highs well over 44 degrees Celsius recorded in places like West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and coastal Andhra Pradesh.
In North India, especially in Delhi-NCR, where high temperatures are typical for this time of year, the Hospitals there are especially concerned about the increase in cases, where people are suffering from heat strokes and similar diseases.
In particular, Bengaluru Hospitals have seen a sharp increase in typhoid and gastroenteritis, amid the extreme heat (38.5 degrees Celsius) and water scarcity. According to internal medicine consultant Basavaraj S. Kumbar, 50% of patients admitted to Aster Whitefield Hospital in Bengaluru each day are experiencing heat-related problems.
As per reports quoting Brunda MS, consultant - internal medicine, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, “In the current scenario, the number of cases is on the rise. If proper precautions aren't taken and early signs and symptoms aren't addressed immediately, the number of cases will continue to rise.”
What are some Common heat wave-related Diseases :
- heatstroke
- dehydration
- heat exhaustion,
- skin infections
- respiratory problems
- gastroenteritis
- Typhoid
- seizures.
- Food Poisoning
Symptoms?
- Sunburn
- stomach aches
- excessive sweating
- vomiting
- fever
- exhaustion
- nausea
- cramps
- abdominal pain
Precautions:
Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!
The task is to drink plenty of fluids, especially water, throughout the day to stay hydrated as Dehydration is a common risk during heat waves. Dehydration often leads to other dangerous symptoms like vomiting, loose motions, nausea, exhaustion, etc. so Drink water, with electrolytes powders. Make lemonades, fruit drinks, but avoid over ‘sugary’ drinks. Also, For hydration you can eat oranges, cucumbers, etc.
Maintain Food and Water Hygiene:
Please avoid eating out as much as you can, especially the local street food, as no one knows about the hygiene of that place. Food in this extreme heat can get stale easily and eating unhygienic food can cause extreme food poisoning. Also, drink bottled or RO water, avoid tap water, to prevent contamination and any illnesses like Typhoid. Eat at home, Stay healthy! If going outside, take your own lunch, water bottle with you.
Avoid Peak-Heat Hours
Don’t go out in ‘Peak-heat’ hours when the sun is directly on top of you, i.e around 10 am- 4pm. Things can be rescheduled to some other time usually in the morning or evening. During Peak heat hours , the heatwaves are severe, making you sweat and usually dehydrate you the most. Also, don’t forget to apply sunscreen generously, put on shades, hats, use umbrellas to avoid sunburns and tanning. The sunburns may look fine initially but can sometimes cause skin cancer. Also avoid taking rickshaws, motorcycles, buses, opt for cars, cabs or Metro for transportation.
Wear Lightweight Clothes
Clearly do not wear tight, Black or any fabric other than cotton. Choosing loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabrics like cotton helps in keeping your body cool. Black or Dark colours absorb more heat, so it's best to avoid them during hot weather. Wear full sleeves clothes, pants to avoid tan. Cover yourself with scarves, especially your face along with sunscreen for double protection.
Seek Medical Attention whenever required:
Feeling a little nauseous in this heat is common. So, pay attention to your body's signals and always seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of heat-related illnesses including dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and fainting. Don’t let these little symptoms turn into something serious.
Lastly, it is important to help others. Heat waves are cruel for all people. Offer them water, food, anything that can prevent them from sunrays. If you see anyone having any symptoms of ‘heat-related’ disease, advise them to go see a doctor, or take them along with you. Also, take care of children and senior citizens around you, they are the ones more prone to these heat-related diseases.
In Conclusion, it is important for individuals to remain vigilant about heatwave warnings, adhere to precautionary guidelines, and seek prompt medical assistance if necessary to safeguard their health and ensure a safer and more comfortable experience during hot weather. So People, Enjoy Summers, Just don’t Fall ill.
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