Hospitals see spike in heat-related cases
an intense heatwave swept through eastern India and parts of the southern peninsular region, according to the weather bureau. Parts of West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and coastal Andhra Pradesh recorded temperatures above the 44-degree Celsius mark.
On an average, 50% of the patients admitted in Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, daily are suffering from heat-related issues, said Basavaraj S Kumbar, consultant- internal medicine. In North India, where high temperatures are typical during this time of the year, hospitals have found the rise in cases particularly alarming, amid fears the cases may further increase in small cities and towns.
“We are anticipating a significant rise in patients due to heat waves related illnesses, especially in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, where patients generally lack understanding of the importance of keeping themselves hydrated during this season," said Shuchin Bajaj, Internal Medicine, Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals. Looping, a common term for excessive sweating, skin infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), gastroenteritis and exacerbation of underlying health conditions such as cardiovascular issues are the typical illnesses seen during a heatwave, also known locally as loo.
“Heatwaves pose a significant health risk, leading to a surge in patients suffering from a variety of conditions. The most concerning is heatstroke, a life-threatening emergency marked by high fever, confusion, and even seizures.
Dehydration is another common culprit," Bajaj added. Meenakshi Jain, director, internal medicine, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj, believes changes in patient numbers are likely to vary depending on the duration and intensity of the heat wave,
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