Delhi Heatwave Triggers Hospital Rush; Rickshaw-Pullers, Labourers, Drivers Most Affected, Say Doctors
Delhi hospitals report a surge in patients due to the intense heatwave, especially among outdoor workers. Symptoms include dehydration, dizziness, and gastrointestinal issues.
New Delhi, Jun 12 (PTI) Hospitals across the national capital have been seeing a surge in patients due to the intense heatwave of the last few days, doctors said on Thursday.
People who work directly under the sun are more affected by the heatwave, for which a red alert has been issued in Delhi.
At the Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, seven to 10 per cent of the total outpatient department (OPD) patients have conditions linked to the heatwave, while five to eight per cent have sought consultations for related symptoms, said Dr Avi Kumar, senior consultant of pulmonology at the hospital.
"The cases that are coming are largely mild and not serious enough to require admission," the doctor said.
At the Delhi government-run LNJP Hospital, authorities have designated a separate area for patients who are working under the sun.
"The patients coming in are rickshaw-pullers, drivers, labourers, mostly those who are engaged in manual work. Patients come in with complaints of abdominal pain, vomitting, dehydration, and dizziness. These cases have increased in the last three days," the official added.
Concurring with the LNJP official, Dr Mukesh Mehra, senior director of internal medicine at Max Super Speciality Hospital, said heatwave patients mainly experience symptoms like dizziness, dry flushed skin, disorientation, and gastrointestinal discomfort.
He further stressed on the importance of recognising the symptoms and implementing preventive measures.
Doctors warned that elderly individuals, children, and those with chronic conditions are particularly at risk and should take extra precautions.
Emphasising the importance of taking precautionary measures, Dr. Ajay Chauhan, Director of the Heatstroke Ward at RML Hospital, advised people to drink water with little salt.
"Regardless of whether they feel thirsty, individuals should continue to drink water mixed with a bit of salt every 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the temperature. Additionally, they should seek shelter in the shade every 15 to 20 minutes, preferably in an air-conditioned space. If that’s not available, any cooler environment they can find will do," he added.
A red alert, the most severe warning level, was issued for Delhi as the city experiences an extreme heatwave, with temperatures rising between 40.9 and 45.0 degrees Celsius this week.
"Precautionary measures such as staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor activities during peak hours, wearing light and loose clothing, eating light meals, and remaining in cool environments, must be followed," Kumar added.
(This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)
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