Worsening heatwave triggers surge in blood clotting disorders

Bhopal: The searing heatwave sweeping across the state capital is leaving a devastating trail on public health, with doctors reporting a sharp rise in cases of blood clotting disorders and related complications.

Temperatures hovering around 44 degrees have already led to widespread complaints of heatstroke, diarrhoea and dehydration, but specialists warn the crisis is deepening as rare neurological conditions are starting to emerge.

Dr Ayush Dubey, a neurologist at Gandhi Medical College, said while clotting in veins is not unusual, cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) remains relatively rare. The current heatwave, compounded by dehydration, has made younger patients particularly vulnerable, in contrast to arterial strokes that typically affect older individuals.

Severe headaches are often the first sign and timely diagnosis is crucial to prevent lasting damage. Lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption and certain medications can act as triggers, but dehydration has now become a significant contributor, health experts opined.

Hamidia Hospital, affiliated to the GMC, has documented four cases of sinus thrombosis in its neurology and neurosurgery outpatient department over the past month. In addition, about 40 patients have been admitted with venous thrombosis, a condition where clots form in the veins of the legs. These cases are often linked to prolonged sitting, smoking, alcohol use, and contraceptive medication.

Some patients have turned up at hospitals reporting seizures, vision loss and weakness in limbs, underscoring the severity of the condition.

GMC medicine specialist Dr Anil Shejwar urged residents to guard against dehydration by drinking ample water daily, avoiding direct sun exposure and wearing light cotton clothing.

Pediatricians also flagged concerns over acute kidney injury among children and the elderly, with Hamidia Hospital reporting six such cases in about three weeks.

Dr Rajesh Tikkas of Hamidia hospital noted that dehydration is straining kidney function, compounding risks for vulnerable groups.

Doctors across the city emphasised vigilance and hydration as the most effective defence against the mounting health crisis brought on by the relentless heat.

With the city bracing for continued high temperatures, medical professionals are urging vigilance and hydration as the first line of protection against the mounting health crisis.