Heat wave and patients

Bhopal: With daytime temperatures hovering around 43 degrees for the past several days, city hospitals and clinics are witnessing a moderate rise in patients reporting heat-related ailments, prompting health authorities to intensify awareness measures and advisories on heatstroke prevention.Doctors, however, said there has not yet been any sharp surge in patient footfall. Most cases being reported involve dehydration, exhaustion, dizziness, weakness and heat cramps, particularly among outdoor workers, elderly persons and those exposed to the sun during peak afternoon hours.“There has been moderate increase in footfalls at JP Hospital and overall too of patients complaining of heatstroke-related ailments. We have issued advisory and people are being advised on precautions regularly,” chief medical and health officer, Bhopal, Dr Manish Sharma told TOI.The health department has advised residents to avoid direct exposure to sunlight between 12 noon and 3 pm, remain hydrated and consume fluids such as water, ORS, buttermilk, lemon water and mango panna. People have also been advised to wear loose cotton clothes, cover their heads while stepping out and avoid excessive intake of tea, coffee and alcohol during extreme heat conditions.According to the advisory issued by the department, symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke include excessive sweating, headache, vomiting, weakness, muscle cramps, high fever, unconsciousness and dry skin. Hospitals have been directed to ensure adequate availability of ORS, medicines and separate arrangements for treatment of heatstroke patients if cases rise further.Officials said cold rooms and emergency response systems are also being kept ready at major govt hospitals as a precautionary measure amid continuing heatwave conditions across parts of the state.