Some 36 weather stations across the country, particularly in central and northern India, recorded temperatures above 42 degrees Celsius on Monday.
Posted Date – 06:40 AM, Wednesday – 4/19/23
New Delhi: Even as summer approaches, India is beginning to experience extreme heat waves that can be especially deadly for children, pregnant women and the elderly, doctors said here on Tuesday.
Some 36 weather stations across the country, particularly in central and northern India, recorded temperatures above 42 degrees Celsius on Monday.
Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 40.6C, four degrees above normal – the third day in a row that maximum temperatures held steady above 40C.
Speaking to IANS, Dr Anup Latne, Consultant Internal Medicine at Surya Maternal and Baby Super Specialty Hospital in Pune, said: “Extreme heat can be fatal, especially in India where many people do not get enough cooling.”
While the effects of heatwaves on the body vary from person to person, “children, pregnant women and the elderly should take extra precautions to mitigate the effects of extreme heat and avoid going outside during the day.”
These groups “are more prone to dehydration when exposed to extreme ambient temperatures,” said Dr Rajiva Gupta, senior consultant in internal medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon.
In children, heat waves can cause “dizziness, profuse sweating, nausea/vomiting, and muscle cramps. In severe cases, individuals may also face heat stroke, leading to loss of consciousness and seizures,” Dr. Latne said.
Other adverse effects of high temperature include drowsiness, body aches, weakness and, in severe cases, renal dysfunction, a drop in blood pressure and aggravation of comorbidities.
In response to the heat wave forecast, several state governments issued school guidelines, including closing classes, no afternoon assemblies, and water cutoffs.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) advised the public to “take precautionary measures and stay well hydrated during the hot weather”.
“Consume at least 2-2.5 liters of water per day. In case of any symptoms, drink salted water, salted coconut water and salted lemonade. To prevent heat-related illnesses, avoid prolonged exposure to heat During exercise, avoid exercising in the heat, and always seek shade,” Gupta noted.
“Heat stroke is a serious condition that can be fatal if not treated promptly and quickly with rapid cooling,” said Dr Ajay Aggarwal, Director and Director of Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Noida.
He advises people to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks during exercise to rehydrate and cool down. “Limit physical activity that increases body temperature, especially during the hottest part of the day,” Aggarwal said.
Latne advises expecting mothers to avoid caffeine, which can make them lose more fluid and worsen heat stroke symptoms. Instead, drinking beverages such as fresh fruit juice and buttermilk can help.
Reducing protein intake, eating more fruits and vegetables with high water content and wearing looser clothing are other ways we can reduce the impact of calories on our bodies, doctors say.
