New Delhi: Delhi is already feeling the strain of summer, even before peak heat has arrived.As the mercury climbs and heatwave warnings ring, doctors are reporting a surge in dehydration-related illnesses among children.At large public hospitals such as Lok Nayak Hospital (LNJP) and in private centres, pediatricians say the seasonal trend has begun and is surging. Young patients are coming in with symptoms linked to dehydration, rotavirus, vomiting and diarrhea.They add that heat strokes, typically seen in May and June, have not yet peaked, but conditions that often precede them are already there.Doctors say the early onset of these cases is a concern, especially as temperatures are expected to worsen over the next two months. A pediatrician at LNJP said that while heat stroke cases are yet to rise, there is already a noticeable surge in dehydration and loose stool cases, along with viral diarrhea that is typically seen during early summer and the monsoon transition. Treatment ranges from oral rehydration salts (ORS) in mild cases to intravenous fluids like Ringer’s lactate for severe dehydration.“Seasonal heat stress has begun, though heat strokes usually come by mid-May. Cases related to diarrhea and rotavirus, which are also common during rains, are on the rise as well,” said a senior pediatrician from LNJP.Dr. Amit Gupta, senior consultant pediatrician and neonatologist at Motherhood Hospitals, said nearly 20-30 children aged between 1 and 7 years came in over the past week. “It’s largely linked to sudden weather changes and increased consumption of outside food during vacations. Most children have fever up to 102-103F, vomiting, stomach pain and loose motions. Timely hydration and ORS help, but persistent symptoms may require hospitalization,” he said.Highlighting the broader impact, Dr Prashant Sinha, head of emergency at PSRI Hospital, said: “The April heat is particularly dangerous as the body has not acclimatised. While most patients come with dehydration and heat exhaustion, we are also treating critical heatstroke cases requiring immediate intervention.”Doctors stress that children are among the most vulnerable. Dr Sanjay K Jain, medical director at Maccure Hospital, said that children dehydrate faster and often cannot communicate discomfort. “We are seeing cases of high fever, lethargy and vomiting. Parents must ensure frequent fluid intake and seek immediate care if warning signs appear,” he said.Experts flagged hygiene and preventive care. Dr Anupam Sibal, gastroenterologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, emphasized safe drinking water and early use of ORS in diarrheal cases. Dr Preeti Anand, senior consultant of pediatrics at Max Hospital, noted a rise in heat exhaustion, dehydration and diarrheal illnesses, particularly among younger children.Dr Ritu Arya, consultant at Motherhood Hospitals, said dehydration cases are also rising among women, especially pregnant patients, with symptoms such as dizziness, weakness and reduced urinary output.She advised a daily intake of 2.5 to 3 liters of fluids and avoiding heat exposure.
