Delhi hospitals report cases of dehydration, vomiting amid rising mercury
What's the story
Soaring temperatures in Delhi have led to city hospitals getting patients with complaints of dehydration and vomiting.
Experts say that keeping oneself properly hydrated and having vegetables and fruits with high content of water will guard one against such illnesses.
Delhi has been reeling under heatwave-like conditions for four days in a row and recorded a maximum temperature of 41.3 degree Celsius on Friday.
Cases
Aakash Healthcare saw ten such cases in the last week
"In the past one week, we have received ten cases of dehydration and nausea. Even people working from home have come in with complaints of stomach ache and headache," Dr. Vikramjeet Singh, Senior Consultant-Internal Medicine at Aakash Healthcare, said.
The doctor said possible reasons for such problems are lack of ventilation that leads to sweating, heat exhaustion, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
Reasons
Delivery men and construction laborers most affected
Dr. Mugdha Tapdiya, a senior consultant of internal medicine at Fortis Hospital in Vasant Kunj said, "The reasons are exposure to the sun for a long time or remaining in a closed atmosphere without proper ventilation. Power cuts and inability to afford coolers are also the reasons behind people falling sick."
Dr. Tapdiya said that delivery men and construction laborers are the most affected.
Solution
Consume fluids, fruits and vegetables with high water content
Dr. Tapdiya advised people to stay in a ventilated area and drink at least four to five liters of fluids each day.
Dr. Singh said that intake of fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumber, and strawberries can help.
He also cautioned against staying inside air-conditioned rooms for long hours. "It increases the risk of dehydration, respiratory problems, and dry eyes and skin," he said.
Cases
Cases will continue if the heatwave doesn't end soon
Dr. Tapdiya said, "It was because of the fear of contracting COVID-19 that comparatively fewer patients are visiting hospitals with heat-related illnesses. Had the situation been normal, the number of patients would have been higher."
Dr. Madhu Handa, the Medical Director of Moolchand Hospital said, "If the heatwave continues for another week or 10 days, they are likely to get such cases."