Experts urge hydration, awareness to prevent heat-related illnesses

Experts said that in extreme summer conditions, people should not wait until they are thirsty to drink water, and that symptoms such as dizziness, muscle cramps, fainting, confusion and excessive sweating can be a sign of serious heat-related diseases. Hindu Saturday (May 23, 2026).

In the webinar titled ‘Heat and Health: What You Need to Know’, Jaichitra Suresh, senior consultant physician and diabetologist at Soukya Clinic and Home Health Services, and Karthik Gunasekaran, professor, Department of General Medicine, Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, discussed heat-related diseases, warning signs requiring medical attention and the wider public health impact of rising temperatures.

Talking about heat-related diseases, Dr. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can affect the body’s natural thermoregulation mechanisms and lead to a variety of health conditions, from mild heat rash and cramps to severe heat exhaustion and heat stroke, Suresh said.

He noted that heat-related illnesses are both an environmental and occupational hazard that is becoming more common due to global warming and rising summer temperatures. He also urged people to stay hydrated, avoid direct exposure during afternoon rush hours, wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and reduce strenuous outdoor activities in heatwave conditions.

Dr. Gunasekaran said the frequency and intensity of heat waves have increased globally in recent years and are linked to a growing number of hospitalizations, emergency visits, cardiovascular complications, kidney injury and death.

He explained how prolonged exposure to extreme heat affects the body’s ability to regulate temperature, which can eventually lead to dehydration, fatigue, organ dysfunction, and heatstroke.

Dr. Gunasekaran discussed emergency response measures for severe heat illness, emphasizing that rapid cooling and early medical intervention are critical in preventing deaths and long-term complications. He urged people to recognize the early symptoms of heat stress and seek medical attention without delay.

The session was moderated by senior reporter Geetha Srimathi. Hindu.