Doctors report sharp rise in dehydration, vomiting, dizziness and heat exhaustion as temperatures continue to soar

The relentless heatwave sweeping across Delhi-NCR is now beginning to show its impact inside hospitals, with doctors reporting a sharp rise in heat stroke and heat-related illnesses over the past few weeks.

Hospitals across the region are witnessing a growing number of patients arriving with complaints of dehydration, dizziness, vomiting, fainting, high fever, weakness and severe exhaustion as temperatures continue to remain dangerously high.

Medical experts warn that prolonged exposure to extreme heat, rising humidity levels, poor hydration and electrolyte imbalance are emerging as major triggers behind the increasing number of cases.

According to doctors, elderly individuals, children, outdoor laborers, traffic personnel and people suffering from chronic illnesses remain the most vulnerable. However, health experts say even healthy young adults are increasingly falling sick due to prolonged exposure to extreme heat conditions.

Dr. Imtiaz Gani Reshi, Director and Head of Emergency Medicine and Trauma Services at Yatharth Hospital, Model Town, said the current weather conditions have significantly worsened heat-related health risks across the region.

“The rise in heat stroke cases is primarily due to persistent heat waves, extremely high temperatures, increasing humidity levels, urban heat island effects, dehydration, and prolonged exposure to hot environments,” he said.

He added that rapid urbanization, inadequate water intake and lack of awareness about early symptoms are further aggravating the situation.

“The highest number of heat stroke cases is being observed among elderly people, children, outdoor laborers, traffic personnel, and patients with pre-existing chronic illnesses. However, in recent years, even healthy young adults exposed to prolonged heat are increasingly getting affected,” Dr. Imtiaz said.

Doctors say OPDs are now witnessing a noticeable daily increase in patients suffering from dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke symptoms.

Early warning signs include excessive sweating, hot and dry skin, intense thirst, headache, dizziness, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, irritability, confusion and fainting.

If ignored, these symptoms can quickly turn life-threatening.

Health experts explain that heat stroke is a severe medical emergency in which the body loses its ability to regulate temperature. This causes body temperature to rise rapidly, potentially damaging critical organs including the brain, heart and kidneys.

Unlike ordinary heat exhaustion, severe heat stroke can also lead to seizures, altered mental status, unconsciousness and organ failure if immediate treatment is not provided.

Doctors warn that individuals working under direct sunlight, poor ventilation or extreme outdoor heat without proper hydration face a significantly higher risk.

Patients suffering from diabetes, heart disease, obesity and hypertension are also considered highly vulnerable during heatwave conditions.

Dr. Imtiaz revealed that Yatharth Hospital has been receiving a steady stream of heat-related cases over the last two weeks.

“Over the past 15 days, we have been receiving four to five patients daily with complaints such as headache, nausea, dizziness, fever, irritability, diarrhoea and excessive thirst,” he said.

Fortunately, most patients sought treatment early, helping doctors prevent complications and avoid hospital admissions.

Hospitals are now strengthening emergency preparedness as temperatures continue to climb.

Dr. Prakhar Garg, Associate Director of Internal Medicine at Yatharth Hospital Noida, said the number of heat-related illnesses has increased sharply over the past week alone.

“Currently, nearly 35–40% of patients visiting the OPD are suffering from symptoms associated with excessive heat exposure and dehydration,” he said.

According to Dr. Garg, cases involving diarrhea, dehydration and vomiting have risen by nearly 25% in just one week, with children and elderly patients accounting for a significant portion of the increase.

In response to the growing pressure, hospitals have started arranging additional beds, dedicated observation facilities and larger stocks of essential medicines to handle the surge.

Doctors are now urging residents across Delhi-NCR to take preventive measures seriously as the heatwave intensifies.

Health experts advise people to avoid stepping outdoors during peak afternoon hours, drink adequate amounts of water throughout the day and wear light, loose-fitting and breathable clothing.

They also recommend reducing strenuous outdoor activities, maintaining proper food hygiene and ensuring proper ventilation indoors.

In case of suspected heat stroke, doctors say the affected person should immediately be shifted to a cool or shaded area. Tight clothing should be loosened, and rapid cooling methods such as cold water, wet towels, fans or ice packs should be used while seeking urgent medical assistance.

“Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as high fever, confusion, fainting, or altered consciousness develop,” Dr. Imtiaz warned.

As Delhi-NCR continues to battle intense summer conditions, doctors fear the number of heat-related illnesses could rise further in the coming weeks unless residents take adequate precautions.