Hospitals witness surge in patients suffering from heat-related illnesses
As the capital swelters under intense heat, city hospitals are witnessing a surge in patients suffering from dehydration, exhaustion, dizziness and other heat-related illnesses, with doctors warning that rapidly fluctuating temperatures may leave people vulnerable to both heat stress and seasonal infections.
Delhi recorded the first heatwave day of the month on Tuesday, with dry winds and the searing sun pushing temperatures past 45 degrees Celsius. The weather office has issued an alert for moderate to severe heatwave conditions over the next few days.
The impact of the soaring temperatures is becoming visible in OPDs and emergency wards across city hospitals, with labourers exposed to the harsh afternoon sun reporting heat stress, while elderly persons arrive with weakness and dehydration.
Doctors said complaints linked to heat exhaustion, heat cramps, dehydration, lethargy and electrolyte imbalance have increased sharply over the past few weeks amid above-normal maximum temperatures.
Dr Arvind Kumar Agarwal, Director, Internal Medicine at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute said emergency units are witnessing a sharp rise in patients exhibiting symptoms of dehydration, heat exhaustion and early signs of heat stroke.
According to him, hospitals are currently witnessing around 15-25 heat-related cases daily, with emergency departments handling three to four cases requiring urgent medical attention.
Agarwal said some patients required hospitalisation, particularly those showing signs of altered cognition, high body temperature and electrolyte imbalance, warning that delayed treatment could affect the brain, kidneys and cardiovascular system.
