Hyderabad: With an early onset of summer, Hyderabad doctors are reporting an increase in footfall of patients seeking medical attention for dehydration-related issues much earlier than expected. Dehydration, cases of which were recorded late in March, have now begun to prop up since the first week of February, said docs.
“Though we are yet to see sunstroke cases, there have been cases of dehydration which are coming our way,” said Dr Somnath Gupta, general physician at Yashoda Hospitals. He explained that these cases are primarily caused by environmental factors such as prolonged exposure to sunlight, staying in poorly ventilated spaces, and inadequate fluid intake.
Dr Praveen Kumar, a physician from Secunderabad, noted that smaller neighbourhood clinics are at risk of witnessing more cases of dehydration. “Nearly 10 cases of dehydration have been seen in the last week. The number could be higher as people tend to rush for first aid to clinics which are closer to their homes,” he said.
Dr Sivaranjani Santosh, paediatrician and also an educator on dehydration assistance, stressed the importance of prevention and proper hydration. “The first line of defence is prevention. When outdoors or in hot rooms, people lose more water and need to increase their fluid intake,” she explained. “While water is the best hydrating liquid, it’s important to maintain electrolyte balance through proper nutrition.”
Dr Santosh recommended several dietary measures to combat dehydration: “Buttermilk, fresh fruits, and curd are excellent choices. For rapid rehydration, especially during physical exertion, coconut water and WHO-recommended ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) are highly effective.”
However, doctors also cautioned against consuming liquids high in sugar content during dehydration, as they can worsen conditions like diarrhoea. “In cases of vomiting and diarrhoea, which can be signs of sunstroke, it’s crucial to move to a cool area and maintain proper fluid intake.”
PRECAUTIONS TO PREVENT DEHYDRATION
– Drink plenty of water
– Eat water-rich foods
– Limit sugary drinks, caffeine & alcohol
– Avoid prolonged direct sunlight exposure
