With soaring temperature in the national Capital, the city hospitals have witnessed a surge of people afflicted with heatstroke and common symptoms. Doctors said that the number of patients complaining of symptoms include headache, dizziness, confusion, sweaty and clammy skin, irregular and rapid breathing have been increased to at least 50 per cent in last few days.
According to doctors, heat stroke which is also called sunstroke is an emergency condition which requires immediate attention. It occurs when the body temperature rises consistently due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures along with dehydration could lead to a Heat stroke and once affected the body temptation increases to 104 degrees Fahrenheit and above. Heat Stroke affects the central nervous system, said Dr R K Singal, Director and Coordinator of Medical & Allied Services, BLK Super Specialty Hospital.
"We are witnessing a surge in heatstroke patients in our hospital. Several deaths have occurred due to heatstroke and many patients have been hospitalized in areas severely affected by heat wave," Singal said, adding that Heatstroke is a medical emergency hence, immediate first aid to be taken is to cool the body temperature.
"Common symptoms of heatstroke include seizures, nausea, confusion, disorientation, and sometimes loss of consciousness or even coma. People should be careful about maintaining hydration to avoid heat exhaustion," he added.
"It should be taken as a medical emergency and affected people need to visit the hospital immediately and get proper treatment as heat stroke can damage the brain. Essentially, heat stroke is a failure of the body's temperature control system and affects the nervous system," said Dr R N Kalra Cardiologist and Medical Director & CEO of Kalra Hospital. He further said that due to prolonged exposure to heat along with high body temperature, affected persons may have increased heart rate, cramps, headache, loss of consciousness, and seizures. If not paid immediate medical attention, it can be life-threatening.
Terming heat stroke a medical emergency for pregnant women, Dr Archana Dhawan Bajaj, Obstetrician & Gynaecologist (Nurture Clinic) said that during pregnancy, heatstroke can be fatal. "It is really important to keep cool and hydrated when pregnant. We recommend avoiding outdoors for activities, staying in a cooler place and keeping adequately hydrated. If you witness such symptoms, immediately visit the hospital or consult the doctor," she said.
"The body has to work harder to cool down both the woman's body and that of the unborn baby during pregnancy. Considering it, a pregnant woman is more likely to get affected by heat stroke," she added.
As temperature in Delhi reached 43°, peak power demand has also increased, touching 6,612 megawatt on Monday, the seasons' highest. Doctors have advised to consume five to six liter water mix of sugar and salt to avoid dehydration. It has also been advised to carry umbrella, water, glucose, sunglasses and cap to protect you from direct sunlight. In case noticing any of the symptoms of heat stroke, the person should be moved to a cool spot at once and offer him/ her fluids to cool down, said doctors.