'Replenish electrolytes, not just water': AIIMS doctor warns as heatwave intensifies
New Delhi, May 21
AIIMS Delhi doctor warned that the ongoing intense heatwave conditions could significantly increase the risk of heatstroke, dehydration and severe electrolyte imbalance, urging people to take strict precautions as rising temperatures may turn life-threatening if ignored.
The warning comes as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for heatwave conditions in Delhi, Haryana, and Chandigarh, with similar conditions likely in several other states, including Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Telangana, Odisha, and Uttarakhand.
Speaking to ANI on Thursday, Dr Neeraj Nishchal, Additional Professor in the Department of Medicine said, "As the heat increases, the sweetening process in the body increases. This leads to dehydration. You feel thirsty, and if you don't pay attention to this, the most important thing is that along with this sweat, our electrolytes, especially sodium, also begin to decrease."
He cautioned that simple hydration is not enough, adding, "Whether they drink lemonade, coconut water, or ORS, they must be very careful to replenish their electrolytes along with water."
Strongly advising against alcohol consumption in hot weather, he said, "Alcohol should be completely avoided. So, if anyone says that drinking chilled beer can beat the heat, I'd say they're wrong."
Highlighting the possible medical complications, Dr Nishchal warned, "If we still don't pay attention, other organs, especially the kidneys and heart, begin to shut down, and if you don't pay attention, it can prove fatal."
He also urged people to take preventive steps while stepping outdoors, saying, "Whenever you go out in the sun, use an umbrella, use a hat so that you can avoid any problem caused by direct sunlight."
Meanwhile, Delhi has recorded its first major heatstroke case of the summer season after a 24-year-old man, who was travelling by train, was rushed to Dr Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital in an unconscious state on Thursday.
The patient was immediately admitted to the hospital's emergency care facility, where a dedicated heatwave clinic initiated intensive life-saving treatment protocols to stabilise his condition and reduce dangerously elevated internal body temperature.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good that they mentioned about alcohol. I see so many people in my friend circle thinking "chilled beer" is the solution. Yaar, it's a diuretic - makes you lose even more water! The doctor is spot on. I've started carrying a small bottle of ORS solution when I go out in Delhi heat. Prevention is better than cure.
I'm visiting Delhi from the US and this is so helpful. Back home we're told to just drink water but I've noticed locals here talking about electrolyte imbalance. The doctor's advice about coconut water and ORS makes total sense now. Also the umbrella tip - I felt silly using one but after seeing the UV index, no regrets! Thanks for sharing this article
Good information but I wish they'd focus on practical solutions too. Not everyone can afford ORS packets or coconut water regularly. Street vendors selling nimbu paani with salt are great but more awareness needed about simple homemade solutions like chaas or aam panna. Government should distribute free ORS packets at public spots during heatwaves. That would help more people than just warnings
My father works as a construction laborer and he's already been told to take breaks but these warnings are vital. The kidney and heart failure part is no joke - we lost a neighbor last year to heatstroke because he ignored early signs. Please everyone, even if you're young and healthy, take this seriously. Delhi summers are getting worse every year. 🥵
I'm an expat working in Noida and this article is gold. I
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