Heat has citizens trotting to sick bay

Mumbai: Over the past few days, temperatures across the state have spiked, leading to a spurt in cases of fever, vomiting and infections, according to doctors. Patients are queuing up at private, state and civic-run clinics with fever and eye, skin and throat infections.

Heat can lead to critical conditions and often requires hospitalisation if not treated on time or left to its own devices. According to doctors, it can also lead to extreme dehydration.

Ear-nose-throat (ENT) specialist Dr Ashesh Bhumkar said, “Due to scorching heat, people are suffering from dehydration and tend to consume colas and cold beverages which have an adverse effect on their body.”

“Since the past few days, patients with complaints like fever, throat infection and diarrhoea have increased,” he said.

Dr Bhumkar said that due to abrupt changes in temperature and the harsh sun, he was getting 20 to 30-odd patients visiting him with fever and ear, nose and throat infections. While going out in the sun, one should take precautions, he advised.

Dean of civic-run hospital Dr Avinash Supe said, “During this time, people should increase their intake of fruits and fluids, and avoid wandering out in the afternoons. They should consume warm water to avoid bacteria. They should avoid dark coloured clothes and outside/junk food.”

The state government has set up an outpatient department (OPD), specifically to tackle heat-related issues in affected areas.