With temperatures soaring and Delhi recording its first heatwave of the season, doctors are sounding the alarm over a range of heat-related health risks \u2014 from mild discomforts like rashes and cramps to potentially life-threatening conditions such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Monday, the capital\u2019s maximum temperature hit 40.2\u00b0C<\/strong>, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a yellow alert<\/strong>, which is expected to remain in place until Wednesday. The IMD\u2019s yellow alert urges the public to “be aware” and recommends avoiding heat exposure, wearing light-coloured, breathable cotton clothing, and keeping heads covered when outdoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Health experts say certain groups are particularly vulnerable during heatwaves \u2014 especially children, the elderly, pregnant women<\/strong>, and individuals with heart or kidney conditions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cExtreme heat can overwhelm the body\u2019s ability to regulate temperature, posing serious health hazards,\u201d said Dr Mukesh Mehra<\/strong>, Senior Director of Internal Medicine at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj. Dr Rajat Sharma<\/strong>, resident doctor of community medicine at UCMS and GTB Hospital, echoed these warnings. \u201cEven before reaching the stage of heatstroke, individuals may suffer from heat rashes, muscle cramps, dizziness, and fatigue due to loss of electrolytes through excessive sweating,\u201d he said. Doctors are urging residents to take preventive measures<\/strong> seriously. Recommendations include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr Mehra emphasized, \u201cPrevention is the best protection<\/strong>. People should recognize their own risk factors, such as age or pre-existing health conditions, and take extra precautions during heatwaves.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr Ushast Dhir<\/strong>, Director of Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, pointed out an additional concern: the increased risk of waterborne infections and dehydration<\/strong> during the summer months. In a bit of relief, Skymet Weather Services Vice President Mahesh Palawat<\/strong> predicted a dip in temperatures after April 10<\/strong>, as a western disturbance<\/strong> is expected to bring cloud cover and cooler weather over parts of North India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Until then, Delhiites are advised to stay vigilant, stay cool, and stay safe.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" With temperatures soaring and Delhi recording its first heatwave of the season, doctors are sounding the alarm over a range of heat-related health risks \u2014 from mild discomforts like rashes and cramps to potentially life-threatening conditions such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. On Monday, the capital\u2019s maximum temperature hit 40.2\u00b0C, prompting the India Meteorological Department […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2885,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-2884","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-national"},"yoast_head":"\n
\u201cHeatstroke<\/strong>, the most severe form of heat-related illness, occurs when body temperature crosses 104\u00b0F. Symptoms include confusion, dry and hot skin, rapid heartbeat, seizures, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. If left untreated, it can lead to organ failure and even death.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf not addressed in time, these symptoms can escalate to heatstroke \u2014 a medical emergency where the body fails to cool itself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
He advised, \u201cThe elderly, children, and diabetics should especially avoid direct sun exposure during afternoons. Caffeinated drinks like tea, coffee, and carbonated beverages should also be avoided, as they can worsen dehydration.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n