In many parts of the country, spring felt like summer. India saw the season’s first heatwave as early as March 11 and the weather continues to be unusually warm. What does that mean for our health? Dr Satish Koul, director of internal medicine at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon, tells us how to avoid complications arising out of excessive heat.
Q: We know that exposure to high temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion but fail to recognise it when it hits us. What are the signs of heat exhaustion?
A: Heat exhaustion is common when the core body temperature goes beyond 37.C. The common signs of heat exhaustion are lethargic feeling, increased thirst, loss of appetite or anorexia, weakness and easy fatigability, headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, raised body temperature or hyperthermia and decreased urine output, among others. If heat exhaustion is not addressed in time, it may lead to heatstroke.
Q: We know that exposure to high temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion but fail to recognise it when it hits us. What are the signs of heat exhaustion?
A: Heat exhaustion is common when the core body temperature goes beyond 37.C. The common signs of heat exhaustion are lethargic feeling, increased thirst, loss of appetite or anorexia, weakness and easy fatigability, headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, raised body temperature or hyperthermia and decreased urine output, among others. If heat exhaustion is not addressed in time, it may lead to heatstroke.