Hyderabad heatwave raises risk of heatstroke, diarrhoeal diseases

Rising temperatures and fluctuating weather in Hyderabad are increasing cases of heatstroke and diarrhoeal diseases. Doctors warn vulnerable groups to stay hydrated, avoid contaminated food, and take precautions, as hospitals report a growing number of summer-related illnesses.

Hyderabad: The two months of severe summer in Hyderabad are upon us, and with it comes the danger of falling sick with summer-related ailments. As temperatures consistently climb to 40 degree Celsius and above, the risk of heat strokes and dehydration becomes a daily reality for not only people in Hyderabad but also in districts.

Already, the local clinics, nursing homes, and small-to-medium hospitals, as well as major tertiary care centres, including Fever Hospital, have gradually started registering a significant change in the profile of patients arriving for treatment.

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Commenting on the present scenario, District public health officials in Hyderabad said “Weather is changing significantly but the body needs to acclimatise. By evening, in Hyderabad, we are witnessing thunderstorms and cool but gusty winds. By afternoon, the temperatures are touching 40 degree Celsius. Due to these changes, Area Hospital and private health care facilities will witness both heat-related exhaustion and water-borne infections”.

The fluctuating weather conditions create a breeding ground for ailments like acute diarrhoeal disease and dehydration as the extreme heat causes food to spoil faster and residents struggle to maintain consistent hydration, doctors said. Vulnerable groups, particularly children and those with pre-existing conditions, remain at the highest risk during this transition period.

In addition to the threat of heatstroke, there is a marked rise in acute diarrheal disease (ADD) linked to the consumption of contaminated water and food that spoils quickly in the rising heat.

Senior doctors in Hyderabad have urged families to focus on vulnerable groups in the family, including infants, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying conditions like heart disease or high blood pressure, who must be particularly vigilant during these peak months.

For children suffering from vomiting, it is advised to move them to a cool environment and offer small sips of recommended liquids such as ORS or coconut water. Parents are also urged to be cautious regarding commercial sugary drinks marketed as ORS, as high sugar content can actually worsen diarrhoeal symptoms.

Hydration:

Drink more water

Consume ORS, lemon water and butter milk

Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee and carbonated drinks

Drink only treated or boiled water

Diet:

Consume seasonal fruits like watermelon, cucumber, etc

Ensure food utensils are clean

Avoid stale, sugary food

Avoid cooking during peak hours

Exposure:

Stay indoors between 12 noon and 3 pm

Rooms should be well ventilated

Limit outdoor activity to mornings and evenings

Clothing:

Wear thin, light coloured cotton clothes

Do not go outdoors barefoot

Use goggles, hats, towels and umbrellas to avoid exposure to hot sun

Danger signs:

High fever when body temperature exceeds 104

Confusion, agitation, irritability, seizures

Hot, red and dry skin, throbbing headache

Fainting, dizziness, muscle cramps, rapid heartbeat and shallow breathing