As Delhi temperature soars, here's what you should know about heat-related illnesses, symptoms

Indian Express

24-04-2025

As Delhi reels under sweltering temperatures, the BJP government this week launched the Heat Action Plan (HAP) 2025 for the Capital. Apart from the measures to ensure the city's preparedness in tackling the soaring temperatures, the HAP also gives details on various heat-related illnesses.
According to experts, a range of heat-related illnesses (HRI) can happen when summer peaks as the thermoregulatory system, which maintains the body temperature, becomes overwhelmed due to the inability to dissipate body heat.
According to Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, these can range from non-fatal conditions such as heat cramps, exhaustion, rashes, and edema to the more severe and potentially fatal heat stroke. If non-threatening conditions are not addressed on time, they can progress into heat strokes.
Here is what Dr Suranjit Chatterjee says on HRIs, symptoms, possible treatment, and staying safe amid heatwaves.
Different kinds of heat-related illnesses
Heat-related illnesses range from mild to severe and include heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and rhabdomyolysis, which affects muscles.
While heat rash occurs when sweat glands become blocked, causing itchy red bumps on the skin; heat cramps involve painful muscle spasms due to loss of salt and fluids during intense exercise or heat exposure.
Heat exhaustion is more serious and results from prolonged heat exposure, combined with dehydration, leading to symptoms like heavy sweating and weakness.
Meanwhile, heat stroke can cause the most damage, where the body's temperature regulation fails, causing a rapid rise in core temperature and potentially life-threatening complications. Rhabdomyolysis is a rare but severe condition involving muscle breakdown triggered by extreme heat and physical exertion.
What are the symptoms
The symptoms of heat-related illnesses vary depending on the condition.
Heat rash presents as itchy and red bumps often found in skin folds.
Heat cramps cause painful muscle spasms, accompanied by heavy sweating and fatigue.
Heat exhaustion symptoms include heavy sweating, dizziness, weakness, headache, nausea, and muscle cramps.
Heat stroke is characterised by a very high body temperature (above 104°F or 40°C), confusion, hot and dry skin or sometimes absence of sweating, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, and possible loss of consciousness.
Rhabdomyolysis symptoms include severe muscle pain, weakness, dark urine, nausea, and confusion, indicating muscle damage and potential kidney problems.
Overview of treatment
Treatment for heat-related illnesses depends on severity.
Heat rash can be managed by keeping the skin cool and dry, wearing loose clothing, and avoiding ointments that block sweat glands.
Heat cramps require rest, moving to a cooler environment, gentle stretching, and drinking fluids containing electrolytes.
Heat exhaustion treatment involves stopping activity, moving to a cool place, lying down with legs elevated, and drinking plenty of cool fluids; medical attention is necessary if symptoms worsen.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate cooling of the body using ice packs or cool water and urgent medical care; fluids should not be given if the person is unconscious.
In case of rhabdomyolysis, prompt hospitalisation for intravenous fluids and monitoring to prevent kidney damage become essential.
Prevention over cure
Preventing heat-related illnesses during heat waves involves several practical steps.
Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water and electrolyte-rich fluids, while avoiding alcohol and caffeine that can dehydrate the body.
Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting, and breathable clothing helps the body stay cool.
It is advisable to limit outdoor activities to early morning or late evening when temperatures are lower and to take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
Use sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect against sunburn and heat stress. Gradually increasing exposure to heat allows the body to acclimate.
Additionally, cooling measures like wet towels or misting can help, and it is important to monitor vulnerable individuals such as children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses closely during heat waves.