Mercury on the rise, doctors warn residents of heat-induced ailments

To avoid heat ailments like heatstroke, rash, cramps, fainting, and exhaustion among others, doctors have advised the people to keep themselves hydrated and avoid stepping outside in the afternoon. The doctors, however, have also outlined that if one stays in an air-conditioned room for an extended time and steps outside, it could be dangerous for the person immediately.

“Sudden headache, dizziness, breathing issues, nausea, and vomiting are commonly seen in many people. Such people could be intolerant to heat, and also suffer from heatstroke,” said Dr Aniket Mule, consultant internal medicine of Wockhardt Hospitals.

Dr Namrata Jasani, senior consultant pulmonology of Global Hospitals, explained that the temperature change could affect the level of inflammatory markers like C-Reactive Protein, Fibrinogen, and Interleukin-6 among others, which could induce non-infectious respiratory diseases like asthma or COPD.

“Also, we tend to spend most of our time indoors, in air-conditioned rooms, due to extreme heat outside… which could in turn increase the transmission of respiratory infections,” said Dr Jasani. “Various respiratory viruses have temperature preference, and hence, some viruses are common in summers while some are common in winters.”

Doctors suggested switching off the AC 20 minutes prior to stepping out in the heat from an air-conditioned room. “Once you get back home from a hotter environment, it is imperative to switch on the fan and relax for some time and then use the AC,” said Dr Mule.

This year, the IMD has issued heatwave warnings for Mumbai nearly four times, as well as for several districts of Maharashtra in the past two months.
On Wednesday, the city recorded a maximum temperature of 33.2 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 27 degrees Celsius, said the IMD.