A large swath of India is currently reeling under an intense heat wave. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the maximum temperature ranged between 44°C and 47°C in many parts of the country on May 20, 2024, forcing it to issue the code red warning sign for Thursday through Saturday and advised “extreme care for vulnerable people” during this period.

A PTI weather report, citing the World Health Organisation (WHO), stated that over 166,000 people died from heatwaves between 1998 and 2017, highlighting its dangers. Hyperthermia, caused by extreme heat conditions, leads to rapid dehydration of the body, which can result in serious health issues.

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What Is Hyperthermia?

Hyperthermia leads to high body temperature, a condition where the body’s cooling mechanism fails. In Hyperthermia, the body absorbs and releases more heat, causing the body temperature to rise excessively. The normal body temperature for humans is 98.6° Fahrenheit, but when it rises disproportionately, it causes Hyperthermia.

Hyperthermia is of two types: heat cramps (when one loses salt and other substances from the body due to excessive sweating), and heat exhaustion (when the body is unable to cool down properly despite excessive sweating). The latter is more serious than heat cramps. Heat exhaustion can lead to a fatal heat stroke. A heat exhaustion victim needs immediate treatment.

How Risky Is It?

Suranjit Chatterjee, senior consultant, Internal Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi, says, “Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency where the body’s cooling system shuts down, causing a dangerously high core body temperature of above 104°F, along with central nervous system dysfunction like confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness.”

Elderly people, children, infants, and those engaged in physical activity in hot weather, and people suffering from cystic fibrosis, which affects their sweating mechanism, are prone to heat illnesses. The symptoms include painful muscle cramps, weakness, fatigue, headache, diarrhea, fast heart rate, nausea, and confusion, among others.

“If the symptoms are left untreated, it can progress to heat stroke with organ damage. Hyperthermia puts strain on the cardiovascular system and can exacerbate chronic conditions like heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and multiple sclerosis.

“The elderly particularly at high risk during heat waves due to decreased thirst perception, poorer cardiovascular health, and increased medication usage. In severe cases of heat stroke, hospitalisation is required for intravenous hydration,” adds Chatterjee.

How Can The Elderly Cope With Hyperthermia?

Heatwaves are extreme weather conditions during the summer months caused by climate change. So, it is important to watch out for heat illness symptoms and get timely treatment.

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Here are some ways to prevent Hyperthermia:

Adequate Liquid Intake: Be particular about your fluid intake in the hot weather, especially when venturing outside. Have plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine drinks, like tea, coffee, etc. Alcohol and caffeine drinks can dehydrate the body.

Change Routine: Avoid going out in the late morning and noon unless necessary. Shift your exercise or morning walk schedule to early morning when the weather is relatively cool.

Stay Indoor: Stay indoors, and if it is necessary to go out, stay in shades and covered places to avoid unnecessary body heating.

Carry ORS And Drink At Short Breaks: Always carry ORS for quick relief to avoid dehydration, and drink at frequent intervals.

Consult Doctor: If you suffer from a chronic illness, such as low or high blood pressure, lung, kidney, heart, or liver-related issues, consult a doctor if you feel excessive heat and your body temperature rises. You can also consult them for preventive measures.

Chatterjee suggests that older people and their caregivers must know the signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke so they can seek prompt medical evaluation.