Heatwave Triggers Surge In Dehydration, Organs Distress, Mental Health Cases, Doctors Warn

With temperatures rising sharply across several parts of the country, hospitals are reporting an increase in cases of dehydration and heat-related illnesses. Doctors say the pattern of patients visiting outpatient departments has changed noticeably over the past two weeks.

Dr. Pallav Mishra, Senior Consultant in Internal Medicine at Yatharth Hospital, Noida, said there has been a clear shift from routine summer infections to more serious heat-related conditions. “In the last fortnight, the profile of patients has changed significantly. We are now seeing a rise in acute metabolic distress due to high temperatures,” he said.

“We have seen nearly a three-fold rise in patients needing IV rehydration, as oral fluids are often not enough to make up for excessive fluid loss through sweating,” Dr. Mishra noted.

People with pre-existing conditions such as heart disease and kidney disorders are particularly vulnerable. “Patients who were otherwise stable are now deteriorating because the heat puts extra stress on the body. It is not just dehydration—it affects multiple systems,” he added.

Common symptoms include headache, fatigue, muscle weakness, and dizziness. Some patients also report difficulty concentrating and a feeling of heaviness in the head. Reduced urination is another important warning sign, indicating that the body is already under stress.

Experts advise people to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to heat, and seek medical help if symptoms persist—especially the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.

Dr. L. Shyam Singh, Director of the Delhi-based Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences (ABVIMS) and Dr. RML Hospital, stressed the importance of preventive measures.

“To prevent heatstroke, the most important thing is to keep the body hydrated. People should avoid going out in the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., drink plenty of water, and wear loose clothing,” he said.

He added that people should act quickly if they feel unwell. “If someone feels dizzy, feverish, or uncomfortable, they should rest immediately and try to cool the body. If needed, they should seek medical help,” he said, adding that their hospital has set up specialized facilities to manage severe heatstroke cases, including cooling systems and emergency care units. Doctors say rapid cooling is critical to prevent organ damage.

Dr. Ajay Chauhan, Physician-in-charge of RML’s heatstroke unit, explained that heatstroke can quickly become life-threatening. “When the body loses its ability to regulate temperature, it can lead to organ failure. Immediate cooling therapy is essential,” he said.

“We identify patients with heatstroke, and those with severe conditions are sent to this special unit where immersion cooling is carried out. After that, they are transferred to the respective ICU or medical unit. Last year, we treated around 75 patients at RML Hospital,” Dr. Singh said.

Among key features of this heatstroke treatment unit are ceramic immersion tubs, a high-capacity 250 kg ice-making refrigerator to ensure a constant supply, precision rectal thermometers, ice boxes, ventilator-supported beds for severe cases, and an inflatable cooling tub for immediate emergency response. The hospital also boasts a Mobile Heat Stroke Response system, aimed at providing crucial pre-hospital care.

Heat illness-related cases are likely to spike given that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has already forecasted that heatwave conditions are expected to continue, with temperatures in the national capital recently touching 44.5°C.

Dr. Mustafa Nadeem Kirmani, Associate Professor at the Amity Institute of Clinical Psychology, Amity University, Haryana, said high temperatures have significant implications not only for physical health but also for mental well-being.

“Clinical and research evidence suggests that excessive heat is associated with increased irritability, anger, mood disturbances, depression, and even a rise in suicidal behavior. Higher temperatures are also linked to greater interpersonal stress and conflicts, including within families,” he said.

Talking about coping strategies, he said that behavioral, emotional, and cognitive approaches are essential to deal with heat stress. “Simple cognitive reframing can help—for instance, instead of reacting with frustration, one can consciously shift to a more adaptive thought such as: ‘It is hot, but I can manage this by staying hydrated and focusing on my task.’ Mindfulness and cognitive behavioral techniques can play an important role in regulating emotional responses,” he explained.

He added that internal dialogue significantly influences how individuals perceive discomfort. “Neuroscience research shows that the more we focus on a stressor, the more intense our perception of it becomes. Shifting attention and maintaining a constructive inner dialogue can help reduce the subjective experience of heat-related distress,” he said.

Dr. Jitendra Sakhrani, Urologist at Apollo Spectra Mumbai, expressed concern that the rising temperatures will impact kidney health and increase urinary tract infections (UTIs).

“Excessive heat reduces blood flow to the kidneys, increasing the risk of kidney stones, infections, and even acute kidney injury,” he said. Symptoms may include reduced urine output, swelling, fatigue, and nausea.

“Severe dehydration can lead to dizziness and confusion. Untreated kidney problems can escalate to kidney failure, electrolyte imbalance, or long-term damage requiring dialysis. Moreover, many also suffer from UTIs, which tend to happen when bacteria multiply in the urinary tract, often worsened by dehydration, infrequent urination, or poor hygiene. The symptoms of UTI are burning sensations while urinating, frequent urges to urinate, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, lower abdominal discomfort, and fever. UTIs, if left untreated, can spread to the kidneys, causing pyelonephritis, a serious infection that can be life-threatening."

Dr. Deeksha Tyagi, Clinical Director and Senior Consultant IVF & Infertility Imaging Expert at Zemya IVF & Fertility Clinics, talked in detail about the impact of scorching temperatures on reproductive health.

“Heat stress can alter the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, leading to irregular ovulation patterns in some women. Over time, this may affect cycle predictability and reproductive outcomes, especially when combined with dehydration or metabolic stress,” she said.

“In men, spermatogenesis is highly temperature-sensitive. Even a slight, sustained increase in scrotal temperature can impact sperm count, motility, and morphology, making environmental heat exposure a clinically relevant factor,” added Dr. Tyagi.

At the same time, Dr. B.L. Jangid, Dermatologist and Hair Transplant Surgeon at SkinQure Clinic, said that skin health is also affected during extreme heat, leading to dryness, irritation, and increased sensitivity.

Dr. Jangid recommended using sunscreen, staying indoors during peak hours, wearing light clothing, and drinking adequate water to reduce health risks.