Heatwave can be fatal for children, senior citizens: Medicos

Jammu, May 24: Severe heat-wave can be fatal for children, senior citizens and working class, who are in particular vulnerable to its severity and thus they should take all precautions to shield themselves against searing heat conditions, opine medical experts.

“Extreme ages, means children and senior citizens - they are in high-risk zone vis-à-vis heat-stroke. Hence it is imperative for them to keep their bodies hydrated. Hydrating – by increasing intake of water or other healthy traditional drinks and consuming fruits with rich water content is the easiest way to avoid heat-stroke. Besides, the working class and labour class also fall in the vulnerable category,” explains Dr Vishal R Tandon, Professor Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu, while speaking to Greater Kashmir.

"First of all, this is very important that one has to recognise whether one has been affected by the heat wave or not and if impacted then to what extent. There are three levels – mild form i.e., heat exhaustion. It simply means that one has been mildly impacted by searing heat. Mild form requires milder management. Since it is not very severe thus as one gets hydrated; the person is fully recovered,” he says.

“Moderate form, which is second level, requires medical attention. But if the impact is severe (heat-stroke), this requires immediate hospitalization. Reason being, this can prove fatal as one would experience high-grade fever leading to stroke, convulsions, seizure and several other repercussions - severe effects of high-grade fever. Severity of it can be gauged with the fact that it may lead to multi-organ failure and even death of the patient. So, it (heat-wave) should not be taken casually,” Dr Tandon elaborates.

EARLY SYMPTOMS OF HEAT STROKE & HOW TO PREVENT IT

Detailing about early symptoms, he points out that these will include high-grade fever (and that too due to unexplained reasons); tongue dryness; feeling thirsty; changed (yellow) colouration of urine (due to dehydration); muscle cramps; confused state of mind and anxiety etc.
“The affected persons may become unconscious. In that stage, they should be immediately rushed to hospital,” he cautions.

Spelling out ways to identify the problem and preventive measures in a lucid manner, GMC Professor says that anyone can prevent the impact of a severe heatwave by following simpler steps.

“Adequately hydrate yourself (with any form of liquid). Palatable, easily digestible food should be taken during this period (searing summers). Wear clothes adequately covering your body, mainly upper portion and cotton stuff is preferable. Keep an eye on your urine. It is the best index vis-à-vis your health status. If it is okay, that indicates that you are not dehydrated. But if the urine has gone scanty it means there’s something wrong with you. Lastly, if you experience fever (generally high-grade) and that too for unexplained reasons. Then this is most likely a heat-stroke impact,” Dr Tandon points out.

He also advises that protein and carbohydrates should be consumed in a limited ratio.
“Shift towards fruit consumption will be a better way out. Besides, one should also avoid extreme temperature variations – another reason for exposure. For exercise-freaks, rescheduling of time will be better. As far as water intake is concerned, plain lemon-water, lemonade, traditional drinks, detox water, watermelon, musk-melon and other fruits rich in water content should be taken. Tea or coffee should be avoided as far as possible," he advises.