Heat Stroke Can Turn Fatal Within Minutes, Warn Doctors Amid Rising Temperatures!

AIG Hospitals Chairman Dr. D. Nageshwar Reddy has warned that many people mistake heat stroke for ordinary fatigue or dehydration, even though it is a life-threatening medical emergency that can rapidly affect the brain, heart, and kidneys. As temperatures continue to soar, AIG Hospitals launched the “Beat the Heat” awareness campaign on Wednesday to educate the public about heat stroke prevention and emergency response. Doctors explained that one of the most dangerous signs of heat stroke is the absence of sweating despite exposure to intense heat. Initial symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and weakness, followed by confusion, slurred speech, seizures, and loss of consciousness if immediate treatment is not provided.

Medical experts stressed that the first five minutes after a heat stroke are extremely critical. Instead of waiting for an ambulance, the affected person should immediately be moved to a shaded and ventilated area. Doctors advised cooling the body with wet cloths and applying ice packs around the neck, armpits, and groin regions. They also cautioned that extreme heat increases pressure on the heart, while dehydration reduces blood volume and worsens the strain on vital organs. Elderly people, children, pregnant women, outdoor workers, and those with chronic illnesses are at higher risk and must take extra precautions. Health experts recommended drinking sufficient water regularly, avoiding direct sunlight between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., wearing loose cotton clothes, staying away from alcohol and caffeinated drinks, and never leaving children or pets inside parked vehicles.