Heat, humidity trigger illness surge in Kol, docs sound caution

Kolkata: The scorching heat and humidity have led to an aggravation of a range of illnesses, including existing ones like COPD, asthma and cardiac ailments. Several hospitals have seen a surge of patients with relapses, many of whom also suffered dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat strokes due to heat exposure.Several hospitals have received multiple patients suffering from diarrhoea. Many are elderly, suffering from heat-induced dehydration that has triggered the ailments, leading to a spurt in outpatient department (OPD) footfalls.Charnock Hospital had a crowded OPD over the last 10 days. "Since the temperature started shooting up, we have received diarrhoea patients along with many suffering from dehydration. We have also received a few suffering from severe heat exhaustion and dizziness who were treated at the OPD. There have also been several with urinary infection who had to be admitted. They got infected while travelling and were dehydrated and had unhygienic water, which is common in summer," said Charnock head of emergency Nishant Agarwal.He added that rather than just the heat, it is the temperature fluctuation that has been triggering ailments and aggravations. "People, especially office-goers, keep fleeting in and out of AC rooms that can trigger viral ailments or aggravate existing diseases, especially respiratory ones. Respiratory illnesses get easily triggered by frequent temperature changes," he added.CMRI Hospital has seen a 10% rise in patients with exacerbations of existing diseases and heat-related issues. "Humidity is very high, which is triggering dehydration very quickly. So, it's important to stay hydrated and avoid exposure to the sun between 11 am and 4 pm," said Anirban Chattopadhyay, critical care specialist, CMRI.Desun Hospital has witnessed an increase in OPD visits and admissions, especially among elderly patients with chronic conditions like heart failure, chronic kidney disease and liver disease. "The extreme heat and humidity currently being experienced in Kolkata are leading to a rise in heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, dizziness, muscle cramps and worsening of existing heart, kidney, liver and respiratory diseases. People should avoid sun exposure during peak afternoon hours, stay hydrated, wear light cotton clothes and seek medical help if they experience nausea, weakness or confusion," said Mohit Kharbanda, senior director, critical care and internal medicine, Desun Hospital.Rising temperatures are emerging as a silent health threat for women, particularly pregnant women, working professionals and homemakers exposed to prolonged heat during daily activities, said Suparna Chowdhury, obstetrician and gynaecologist, Neotia Bhagirathi Woman and Child Care Centre. "Hospitals are witnessing a noticeable increase in dehydration, dizziness, urinary infections, fatigue, headaches and heat exhaustion among women this summer. Pregnant women are especially vulnerable, as extreme heat can add significant physical stress and increase the risk of complications. Staying hydrated, avoiding peak afternoon exposure, wearing breathable clothing and maintaining proper nutrition are crucial to safeguard women's health," she said.Children are far more sensitive to extreme temperatures as their bodies lose fluids much faster than adults, said Himanish Roy, consultant paediatrician and neonatologist, Neotia Bhagirathi Woman and Childcare Centre, Newtown. "Parents must prioritise hydration, light nutritious food, proper rest, daily bathing and sponging to keep the body cool, and ensure well-ventilated rooms at home. If using air conditioning, maintaining the temperature between 26°C and 30°C is advisable for a comfortable and healthy indoor environment. Limiting outdoor exposure during peak heat hours is essential to keep children safe during this intense summer," added Roy."Rising temperatures, combined with dehydration and physical exertion, can significantly strain the heart and lungs. Those with asthma, COPD, hypertension or cardiac comorbidities must be extra cautious. Avoid stepping out during peak heat hours, maintain adequate hydration and refrain from sudden shifts between air-conditioned rooms and outdoor heat," said Abhijit Aich Bhaumik, senior consultant cardiologist at BP Poddar.