Noida: OPDs at hospitals across Noida are witnessing a sharp rise in patients suffering from acute dehydration and other heat-related illnesses as prolonged high temperatures coupled with high humidity continue to grip the region. While no heatstroke cases have been reported in the district so far, doctors said the number of patients reporting dehydration, dizziness, fatigue and fever has increased significantly over the past week, with outdoor workers emerging as the most affected group.A senior doctor at the district hospital said the hospital has recorded more than 200 cases of dehydration, dizziness and heat-related fever since last week.“Most of the patients are daily wage labourers, construction workers, street vendors, delivery personnel, traffic staff and others who spend long hours outdoors in direct sunlight. They often continue working without taking adequate water breaks because of the nature of their jobs. Many come to the OPD complaining of excessive weakness, dizziness, body aches, headaches and dehydration after prolonged exposure to heat and humidity. Fortunately, we have not seen any confirmed heatstroke cases yet, but if people continue to ignore the warning signs, dehydration can quickly progress into a serious medical emergency,” the doctor said.Doctors said the combination of high temperatures and humidity is making the situation worse as excessive moisture in the air prevents sweat from evaporating efficiently, reducing the body’s natural cooling mechanism and increasing the risk of heat exhaustion.“Heat-related illnesses have risen by 30 %-40% over the past few days. The hospital’s OPD is seeing a sharp increase in patients presenting with dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, heat exhaustion and gastroenteritis,” senior director of internal medicine at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Noida, Dr Sanjay Sanadhya, said.“The surge is typical during periods of sustained extreme heat and humidity. Severe dehydration and acute electrolyte imbalances are the most common conditions we are treating, while progression to heat exhaustion is happening much faster. We are also seeing cases of acute kidney injury caused by profound fluid and sodium loss,” he said.Dr Sanadhya added that the elderly, infants, people with heart ailments and those taking cardiac medications remain the most vulnerable. However, he said a growing number of otherwise healthy young outdoor workers are also requiring medical attention after underestimating the impact of humid weather.“Residents must not wait until they feel thirsty before drinking water. Frequent intake of water, oral rehydration solutions and water-rich fruits while avoiding alcohol and excessive caffeine is advised. People are also urged to wear loose cotton clothing, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during afternoon hours, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as dark urine, persistent dizziness, muscle cramps, nausea, confusion or a sudden absence of sweating develop,” he added.
