Pune: Summer illnesses rise as mercury hovers around 40

For over a fortnight now, courier delivery boy Sandip Bhide (26) is complaining of headaches, weakness and severe loss of appetite. But what alarmed him was that he had more than 2-3 episodes of epistaxis (nosebleed) and one episode of fainting. However, his family doctor had a very simple treatment to offer – avoid long hours in the sun and keep yourself hydrated.

With daytime temperatures hovering around 40 degrees Celsius, doctors say that huge number of patients complaining of heat-related ailments like dehydration, nosebleeds, symptoms of early sunstroke like headaches and dizziness and even high-grade fever were lining up at their clinics.

Besides these, cases of gastroenteritis and diarrhoea are also common, which though not severe in nature only worsen the situation for patients already reeling under the heat.

“Fortunately, the city weather doesn’t result in cases of heatstroke which can have serious complications but it does lead to similar symptoms which can lead to a lot of unease for affected people too. I get at least ten patients on a daily basis for some heat-related problems. Most common are nosebleeds, dehydration and severe headache,” said Dr Avinash Bhondwe, family physician practising in Shivajinagar.

And the solution for nosebleeds is simple. “Nosebleeds occur when the mucous membrane dries up and cracks. There is a simple way to stop it. Go over a basin, bend a little and pinch the nose with pressure for 2-3 minutes. Try it for a couple of times and it will stop,” advised Bhondwe.

Karvenagar-based physician Dr Santaji Kadam said that skin allergies, fungal infections, rashes and prickly heat are also a common complaint this season.

“One tends to sweat a lot in the summer, especially when exposed to the sun. Besides sunburns, a lot of fungal infections take place in armpits and groin areas. To avoid this, one must observe strict personal hygiene and wear loose fitting cotton clothing which are in light colours. Also one must protect the skin from sunburns by wearing full sleeved clothes and use sunblock creams,” he said.

Asked on what precautionary measures patients could take to avoid dehydration and nosebleeds, doctors said best method was avoid prolonged exposure to the hot sun.

“While stepping out, one must carry umbrellas and hats to protect the head, back of the neck and eyes from direct sunrays. The caps must be such that it should protect the area behind the ear.

One could also keep a wet handkerchief under the cap or helmet to cool the head. Also people must always carry a bottle of water preferably mixed with sugar and salt to avoid dehydration and loss of vital nutrients,” he said.

Even dietary modifications play an equal role. “While it goes without saying that one should avoid street food as it is not only unhygienic but falling sick during this season can be troublesome. Also people must take more liquids, add fruits and salads to their diet, eat curds and ensure meals are light,” Kadam said.