HYDERABAD: Basti Dawakhanas across Hyderabad are witnessing a steady rise in patients presenting with mild heat-related illnesses amid soaring summer temperatures. Doctors said that individuals are arriving with symptoms such as dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating and fever – typical indicators of heat exhaustion.
At several centres, including the Begumpet Basti Dawakhana, doctors say they are seeing an average of three to four such cases daily. “Most of these patients are daily wage laborers – porters, domestic workers and construction workers – who are directly exposed to extreme heat conditions,” a medical officer at the center said, highlighting the vulnerability of outdoor workers.According to Hyderabad district medical and health officer Dr J Venkati, outpatient cases are being closely monitored to identify early signs of heat-related illnesses. “We are keeping a close watch on symptoms to prevent escalation into severe heat stroke cases,” he added.Doctors also noted that children and the elderly are increasingly affected during the ongoing summer holidays. “Children playing outdoors are reporting fevers, vomiting and diarrhea, while elderly individuals, especially those with blood pressure and diabetes, are coming in with dehydration and mild heat exhaustion symptoms,” said senior govt physician Dr Abrar Ahmed.Furthermore, doctors also pointed to a rise in acute gastroenteritis cases. “Due to the intense heat, outside-cooked food is not being digested properly. We are also seeing two to three cases linked to consumption of contaminated meat,” said Dr K Sucharita, Khairtabad PHC.In Secunderabad, suspected cases of heat stroke are being referred to Gandhi Hospital, the designated center for such emergencies. However, doctors clarified that no severe cases have been reported so far.For patients with non-communicable diseases, doctors stressed the importance of caution.
