New Delhi, May 21 (PTI) Two critically ill patients with suspected heat stroke were admitted to the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital here on Thursday amid severe heatwave conditions in the national capital,
officials said.
Both patients were brought to the hospital in an unconscious state with extremely high body temperatures and were immediately put on ventilator support and immersion cooling therapy, doctors said.
A 24-year-old student from West Bengal was admitted around 1.45 am after falling ill while travelling on a train, while another patient, a man aged around 50, was brought in by police at around 10.45 am in an unconscious state, said Dr Ajay Chauhan, Director Professor of Medicine at the hospital.
"Both remain critical and are undergoing intensive treatment in the ICU," he said.
The student from West Bengal, the first heat stroke case of the season, was admitted with symptoms including vomiting, loose motion, altered sensorium, faecal incontinence and extremely high body temperature, said Dr Chauhan.
"He was travelling in a train and was suffering from vomiting, tiredness and loose motion. He was brought to the hospital by attendants in a state of unconsciousness. We immediately put him in ice water and tried to cool him down," Dr Chauhan said.
Doctors instituted immersion cooling therapy and later shifted the patient to the medical ward, where he continues to be under intensive medical management.
"The patient's condition is still very serious. Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition," Dr Chauhan said, urging people to remain cautious amid the prevailing extreme weather conditions.
The other patient was brought in by the police in an unconscious state and with high body temperature, he said.
"The patient was immediately intubated and placed on ventilator support. Ice-cold water immersion cooling was also instituted. His condition continues to be critical," Dr Chauhan said.
Details regarding his address and other co-morbidities could not be gathered in absence of any attendant, he informed.
He advised people to stay hydrated, consume fluids with salts, avoid direct exposure to the sun and move to shaded areas while doing physical work outdoors.
Dr Chauhan said, "Heatwaves are not just uncomfortable weather conditions; they can become life-threatening if ignored. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, worsening of heart and respiratory illnesses, and in severe cases, even organ failure."
Children, elderly people, outdoor workers and those with chronic diseases are especially vulnerable. People should avoid stepping out during peak afternoon hours, drink water with salt and electrolytes frequently even if they do not feel thirsty, wear light cotton clothes, and consume fresh fruits and fluids to maintain hydration, he said.
It is also important to avoid excessive caffeine, alcohol and strenuous physical activity during periods of intense heat.
"Warning signs such as dizziness, confusion, excessive sweating, rapid heartbeat, muscle cramps or fainting should never be ignored and require immediate medical attention. Preventive care and awareness remain the best protection against heat-related illnesses," he stated.
Amid a series of heatwave days, Delhi recorded its warmest night for the month of May in nearly 14 years, with the minimum temperature settling at 31.9 degrees Celsius on Thursday, according to the India Meteorological Department.
The weather office has issued an 'orange' alert for the national capital, forecasting severe heatwave conditions with the maximum temperature likely to touch 46 degrees Celsius during the day. PTI SGV/PLB MNK
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