Ludhiana: Amid a rapid and sharp rise in temperatures over the past several days, cases of sunstroke among children are being reported in hospitals. On Monday, one such patient was brought to the Civil Hospital.A pediatrician at the Civil Hospital, Dr Jaspreet Singh, said the child had been exposed to the sun after going out to play during the day and was suffering from high fever. He added that the patient was administered oral fluids, intravenous fluids and supportive medicines. With the hot weather persisting, he said, more such cases were expected.A child specialist at a private hospital also said heat stroke cases had been reported over the past few days.“It started around three days ago. Every day, I examine four to five heat stroke patients. Today, I have examined five such patients since morning. Most patients are between four and five years of age,” said Dr Baldeep Singh, a child specialist and owner of a private hospital in the Model Town area. He added that apart from high-grade fever, other symptoms of heat stroke included severe headache, nausea, vomiting and fainting.Another city-based child specialist, Dr Naveen Bajaj, said students faced a high risk of heat stroke during sports activities and while stepping outdoors during the daytime. He also pointed out that many children tended to drink less water, leading to low electrolyte levels.Experts advised children to take precautions during hours when the sun was intense.Dr Deepak Bhat, professor of pediatrics at DMCH, said children should avoid direct exposure to the sun during the daytime and stay away from outdoor activities between 12 pm and 5 pm. He added that they should consume plenty of fluids to maintain proper hydration.Dr Bhat said parents had an important role to play, as they needed to educate children about the consequences of venturing out in intense heat and ensure they drank adequate fluids.BOX | Health advisoryThe health department recently issued a heatwave advisory, stating that when temperatures rise above 40 degrees Celsius, the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke increases significantly.Civil surgeon Dr Ramandeep Kaur said certain groups were particularly vulnerable during heatwave conditions. “These include elderly persons above 60 years of age, young children, pregnant women, individuals suffering from heart disease, diabetes or respiratory illnesses, as well as labourers, farmers and construction workers,” she said.Advising people to stay indoors between 12 noon and 3 pm, the civil surgeon said they should drink plenty of water and fluids such as ORS, lemon water, lassi and buttermilk. “While stepping outdoors, wearing light-coloured, loose clothing and covering the head with a cloth or cap can be beneficial,” she said.The advisory also recommended consuming light meals along with seasonal fruits and vegetables.
