Hyderabad, March 25: The season of heat waves is just about to start in the capital and other parts of Telangana region. And extreme heat is the prime reason for triggering cases of heat strokes, which, physicians point out, should be treated as a medical emergency.
Large number of sun stroke cases, often fatal, gets reported every year between March and May in twin cities. Such is the frequency of sun stroke cases that the district medical authorities have made a public appeal to people to not to venture out between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., when the intensity of the sun is high.
Heat strokes occur when the body temperatures rises abnormally due to hot weather conditions. “In extreme hot conditions the body loses its ability to dissipate the heat and this leads to rise in body temperatures. Heat strokes are also caused due to dehydration when the body does not sweat quickly and dissipate heat. This leads to rise in body temperature and causes heat stroke,” explains Dr. Ch. Jaya Kumari, District Medical and Health Officer, Ranga Reddy district.
Physicians point out that sun stroke victims lose the normal mechanisms to deal with heat loss like sweating and body temperature control. “This is the reason why sun stroke should be treated as a medical emergency because sometimes it is life threatening. It would be better if public avoid venturing out between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.,” suggests DMHO, Hyderabad, Dr. B. L. Veena Kumari.
The common symptoms presented by sun stroke victims include high body temperature, rapid pulse, difficulty in breathing, vomiting, fatigue, headache, muscle cramps and aches and dizziness. “It is very important for public to keep themselves hydrated and avoid physical exertion when the sun is hot,” Dr. Jaya Kumari said.
-Agencies