2 days ago
1-2 patients coming to hospital daily with heatstroke symptoms, say doctors as temperatures soar in Gurgaon
Gurgaon: As Delhi-NCR reels under a heatwave, hospitals are reporting an increase in the number of heatstroke patients being admitted, with a few of them ending up in ICUs and on ventilation support.
According to doctors, while most patients are discharged after a few hours of treatment, some require hospitalisation for 2 to 3 days. "Some extreme cases require intensive care," said Munesh, a nurse at a private hospital in Sector 56.
"Over the past week, we have seen 1 or 2 patients daily with heat-related illnesses. They come in with symptoms such as dehydration, sweating, anxiety, nausea, high pulse rate, and low-grade fever.
Thankfully, most recover well with simple cooling measures and symptomatic treatment. But it's important to remember that if not addressed early, these symptoms can escalate into heatstroke, which is a medical emergency," said Dr Tushar Tayal of CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon.
Heatstroke, characterised by body temperatures rising above 40 degrees Celsius, can cause neurological symptoms such as confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness, leading to multiple organ failure in extreme cases.
"My brother had cramps and severe headaches for a few days after which we brought him to the hospital. It was declared that he had a heatstroke," said Rashmi Singh, a resident of South City-1.
Somvir Kumar, a Sector 10 resident, said he got a heatstroke due to intensive travel and outdoor exposure. "I work at a shop at Hero Honda Chowk and have been travelling to Delhi and UP every day to get materials for it. It was due to this that I got a heatstroke.
I had nausea and fever, and when my condition did not improve, I went to the hospital. I was admitted for a day and was discharged on Thursday," he said.
Meanwhile, as heatwave is expected to continue in the region, authorities have urged the public to take precautions to prevent heatstrokes. Outdoor exposure in the heat is to be avoided, medical experts have warned, adding that vulnerable populations such as the children and elderly, are more at risk and should take special care.
"The relentless heat and 'loo', which dries out the skin, are making people ill. We are seeing a surge in patients suffering from heatstrokes and dehydration, and outdoor workers and labourers are at a higher risk," said Dr Arunesh Kumar, senior consultant, respiratory medicine, Paras Health, Gurgaon.
To stay safe, people are advised to stay indoors during peak heat hours, wear light, loose-fitting clothes, use fans and coolers, drink plenty of water and avoid caffeinated drinks or alcoholic beverages.
Dr Satish Koul, senior director and unit head - internal medicine, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon, stated, "People must stay hydrated, avoid exposure to sun, wear light and breathable clothes, and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms like high fever, confusion, dizziness, or rapid heart rate."
