DOHA: The number of people suffering from heat-related illnesses has reduced this summer, says a senior consultant at Al Wakra Hospital.
Although there has been no recent increase in the number of patients treated for such illnesses at the Adult Emergency Department, people are advised not to work in direct sunlight.
People most affected are usually outdoor workers, including those fasting, said Dr Muayad Kasim Khalid, Senior Consultant and Head of the department.
Heat-related risks and problems can increase with fasting in summer due to a drop in body fluids and salt levels.
“Normally during summer, we see an increase in the number of people suffering from illnesses such as sun stroke and heat exhaustion.
“The majority of the cases occur among those working outdoors due to the nature of their job,” said Dr Khalid.
He said due to stricter rules to prevent outdoor workers from working under the sun in peak hours, there has been no significant increase in the number of heat-related cases.
“Usually, we receive up to 600 cases of emergencies daily at the department but since Ramadan started, we have seen a decline in the number, an indication that laws and awareness campaigns about safeguarding one’s health are paying off,” he said.
Dr Khalid said when Ramadan falls within one of the hottest months like June, prolonged exposure to sunlight and high temperature during daytime may cause sunstroke as a result of a failure of the body’s cooling system.
“In a few cases, this over-exposure may cause organ dysfunction or other effects, such as severe headaches accompanied by dehydration,” he said.
Symptoms can also include muscle pain, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, skin redness, rapid breathing, a high heart rate, and difficulties in speech and understanding.
Dr Khalid advised those fasting to drink sufficient fluids in the evening to enable their bodies to adapt to fluctuating temperatures.
Treatment for sunstroke includes cooling down the affected person by lowering their body temperature to normal.
“If the person is conscious, they should be made to drink fluids, such as water or any cold drink. Hot drinks and caffeine should be avoided because they will increase dehydration.
“If a person is unconscious, use cool water (not cold) by applying a wet flannel or face-cloth to the skin.
The person should be exposed to a fan or an air stream to dry out their body and maintain the health of the brain and organ function.”
He said some people may suffer a headache or pain within the first days of fasting.
The Peninsula
