AIR Spotlight: Precautionary Measures to Tackle the Health Effects of Heat Wave

AIR Spotlight is an insightful program featured daily on the All India Radio News on air. In this program, many eminent panellists discuss issues of importance which can be quite helpful in IAS exam preparation.

This article is about the discussion on: ‘Precautionary Measures to tackle the Health Effects of Heat Wave’.

Participants

• Piyush Ranjan: Prof. of Medicine, AIIMS, New Delhi
• Dr Atul Kumar Tiwari: AIR Correspondent

Context – Heatwave conditions have been prevailing in most parts of the country with the maximum temperature hovering near 45℃ in some states. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a heat wave alert for states in northern, north-western and eastern India amid rising temperatures. As per the weather department, heat wave conditions are likely over Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Gangetic West Bengal and Sikkim during the next four to five days (the third week of April 2023) and will abate thereafter. 

What is a Heat Wave?

• A Heat Wave is a period of exceptionally high temperatures that exceed the typical maximum temperature during the summer season. Heatwaves normally occur from March to June, and in a few unusual instances, they might even last until July.

Read more on heat waves in the linked article.

Heat Stroke –

• Heatstroke is a condition caused by your body overheating, usually as a result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures. This most serious form of heat injury, heatstroke, can occur if your body temperature rises to 104 degrees F (40 degrees C) or higher. 
• Heatstroke requires emergency treatment. Untreated heat stroke can quickly damage the brain, heart, kidneys and muscles.

Health Effects of Heat Wave

During a heat wave, body heat increases owing to the environment and metabolism. This heat load must be dissipated to maintain a body temperature of 37.5℃, a process called thermoregulation. Failure to maintain the body temperature may cause a number of health effects, particularly in elderly people and the most vulnerable. 

• The mild effects of heat waves on an individual include dehydration, thirst and a decrease in urine output. 
• Heat exhaustion: Symptoms include weakness, exhaustion, headaches, nausea, vomiting, cramping in the muscles, and perspiration.
• Heat Stroke: A state of delirium, seizures, or coma that is accompanied by body temperatures of at least 104°F (40°C) or higher. This condition carries a risk of death.

Who is at risk?

Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, however, some people are at greater risk than others. The main brunt of the heat waves is borne by the extreme ends of the population.

• Infants and children below the age of 5 are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures, as the mechanism for thermoregulation is not well developed in such cases. 
• Elderly/senior citizens may not compensate for heat stress efficiently.
• People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat.  
• People who overexert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness.  
• Other vulnerable people include pregnant women, people who are physically ill especially those with cardiovascular disorders, neurological disorders, chronic pulmonary disorders, etc. and also people who are on medications that aggravate dehydration and heat exhaustion such as diuretics, anti-inflammatory drugs, etc.

Precautionary Measures to Tackle Heat Waves –

The following tips are important to protect your health when temperatures go high –

• Keep yourself hydrated, and avoid drinking fluids that contain alcohol, caffeine or large amounts of sugar as it will cause you to lose more fluids.
• Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body and must be replaced. Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) contains the right proportion of designated minerals (like Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, and Glucose) to replenish the body. 
• Wearing appropriate clothing is important. If a person is outdoors he should keep himself covered, wearing full-length sleeves, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect his head. Light weighted, light-coloured and loose-fitting clothing is important. 
• Try to limit the outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. Limit sun exposure at mid-day.
• Ensure the safety of those who are vulnerable. 

Intravenous Therapy (IV) 

IV fluids are specially formulated liquids that are injected into a vein to prevent or treat dehydration. 

Intravenous rehydration is a simple, safe and common procedure with a low risk of complications.

• IV fluids are liquids injected into a person’s veins through an IV (intravenous) tube. They prevent or treat dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
• Studies have shown that ORS is as good as intravenous fluid administration when treating dehydration.

Are probiotics required?

• Probiotics are not required as there is no alteration in the gut bacteria during the process of heat stroke.
• Probiotics are used only when someone is having a longer duration of antibiotic therapy and associated diarrhoea.

AIR Spotlight: Precautionary Measures to Tackle the Health Effects of Heat Wave:- Download PDF Here

Read previous AIR Spotlight articles in the link.