Rajasthan: Amid heatwave, doctors advise kids, elderly to avoid stepping outdoors

Amid the heatwave across vast swathes of the country, including Rajasthan, and a runaway mercury settling at disconcerting levels; the doctors on Thursday issued a word of caution for children and the elderly, especially those battling illnesses or with medical conditions.

Amid the heatwave across vast swathes of the country, including Rajasthan, and a runaway mercury settling at disconcerting levels; the doctors on Thursday issued a word of caution for children and the elderly, especially those battling illnesses or with medical conditions. Speaking to ANI on Thursday, Dr. Deepak Maheshwari, a senior heart specialist with Jaipur's Swai Man Singh Medical College, voiced concern over the sweltering hot weather in the city, saying, "Children and the elderly batting diseases or medical conditions are the most vulnerable in the prevailing heatwave. They should exercise caution and take special care of themselves. They should refrain from stepping outdoors in this heat unless necessary and, if at all, they have to, they should cover themselves suitably and stay hydrated.

"People are advised to wear full-sleeved shirts while stepping outdoors and ensure limited exposure to the hot sun. It is essential to keep themselves hydrated either with water, fruit juices, electrolytes, or ORS. Inadequate consumption of water or fluids could result in a severe downturn in one's health. One should pay heed to medical advice as a heatstroke can affect multiple human organs. It could also potentially result in strokes and gastrointestinal malfunction. Hence, one is advised to take these simple precautions to avoid health risks," Dr. Maheshwari added. Also speaking to ANI, Dr. Manish Agrawal, a senior neurosurgeon with SMS Medical College, said when the maximum temperature hovers in the range of between 44 and 45 °C, people could potentially come down with headaches and also experience nausea.

He added that the prevailing heatwave poses a heatstroke risk for patients suffering from neurological problems. In such situations, hydration and simple precautions such as covering one's head and avoiding stepping outdoors were the keys to staying healthy, Maheshwari added. The India Meteorological Department (IMD), earlier, predicted a heatwave for Rajasthan. On Wednesday, several parts of Rajasthan recorded a maximum temperature in the range of 43-45°C. (ANI)

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