KOCHI: With mercury level rising in the state, experts have urged people to exercise caution for avoiding health hazards like heatstroke and sunburn as they could prove fatal if ignored. Experts say heatstroke, or sunstroke, is especially dangerous as it could cause multi-organ failure.
“The year 2019 was the peak of summer heat in the state with over 1,500 heat-related incidents and 32 sunstroke cases reported,” said a health official. Already, cases of sunburn and sunstroke have been reported across the state due to the rise in temperature this year. On Sunday, a councillor of Punalur municipality in Kollam suffered sunburn on his neck and leg while returning from work.
“No major heat-related incidents were reported in 2020 and 2021 as Covid restrictions confined people to their homes. Now, the situation has changed,” said Dr Mathew John, professor of General Medicine and based in Kottayam.
He explained: “Heatstroke progresses to multi-organ dysfunction syndrome. So, rapid, effective cooling followed by close monitoring and specific treatment for injured organs are needed. Elderly with underlying illnesses like cardiovascular, pulmonary and cerebrovascular diseases, need to be extra careful as do those who are on certain medications for underlying illnesses,” he said.
Ernakulam district medical officer V Jayasree said people of all age groups should be cautious. “However, some are in the high-risk category. They include infants, young children, people aged 65 and above, those who have mental illness and those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure,” she said.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has ruled out heat wave warnings in the state. However, it has asked people to stay alert. “As the IMD has indicated that showers are expected in a couple of days, we hope the situation will get better. At present, people should take care to avoid severe health issues,” said a KSDMA official.
Keep your cool
Main heat-related illnesses
Heatstroke, sunburn, exhaustion, heat cramps & rashes
What is a heatstroke?
Heatstroke is the most hazardous condition in the spectrum of illnesses progressing from heat exhaustion. It could be fatal as it causes multi-organ damage, including that of brain, kidney and heart. Heatstroke is more severe than sunburn.
Symptoms
High body temperature, throbbing headache, dizziness and light-headedness, lack
of sweating despite heat, muscle weakness or cramps, nausea and vomiting are among the symptoms. Confusion and disorientation may also happen in certain cases.
How to stay safe?