Physicians ring alarm as heat wave likely create dire situation

Mijanur Rahman, hailing from Baghbari area of Mirpur, took his two-and-a half years-old son Tayeef to a private hospital in the capital as he is suffering from fever for the last four days without any sign of relief.

The child was brought to Dr AFM Saidur Rahman, an Associate Professor of Internal Medicine in a private medical college hospital, for better treatment.

The physician said he is treating dozens of such minor patients in recent days. For this reason he has to cut short his eid vacation.

The physician said people with comorbidities such as uncontrolled diabetes, chronic kidney disease, asthma and skin diseases are also found to be the ultimate sufferers of the current heatwaves.

In terms of age references those above 60 years and children under 10 are the most vulnerable, he added.

Across Dhaka, patients, especially the children are seen rushing to different hospitals with similar health complications.

International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) noted an uptick in diarrhoea cases with around 400 patients rushing to it daily on average. They said the situation could be termed as severe if it is over 700.

Meanwhile, authorities from Bangladesh Institute of Child Health (Shishu Hospital), noted an influx of patients suffering from fever, diarrhoea, cold and cough.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), heat waves, or heat and hot weather that can last for several days, can have a significant impact on society, including a rise in heat-related deaths.

WHO observes heat waves as one of the most dangerous of natural hazards but rarely receives adequate attention as its adverse impact requires time to be visible.

Director at the Shishu Hospital Dr Md Jahangir Alam confessed of observing a spike of patients suffering from fever, diarrhoea, cold and cough in recent days. And so more patients of typhoid, hepatitis, and jaundice are rushing to the hospital.

He stressed the importance of keeping children hydrated and indoors to prevent heat-related illnesses.

Here is to mention that to stay safe during a heat wave, the WHO recommends keeping living spaces cool and maintaining the ideal room temperature below 32°C during the day and 24°C during the night, particularly for infants or people who are over 60 years of age or have chronic health conditions.

WHO advises to take cool showers or baths, wear light, loose-fitting clothes of natural materials. It also recommended to use light bed linen and sheets, and no cushions, to avoid heat accumulation.

It also advised drinking regularly, but avoiding alcohol and too much caffeine and sugar, and eating small meals and eating more often. WHO also urged avoiding foods that are high in protein.

Reiterating the recommendations, Dr Saidur Rahman recommended a daily fluid intake of 2-2.5 litres and wearing full-sleeved clothes to limit direct exposure to the sun.

Dr Jahangir Alam of Shishu Hospital emphasized more on keeping the room temperature under 35 degree Celsius and keeping the room cool. Along with that he barred the parents from bringing infants under direct sunlight.

“Parents must bring their infant out of home in a time when the heat of the day is lessened to prevent dehydration from excessive sweating,” he added.

Dr Saidur Rahman said along with heat wave Dengue is another matter of concern during the time and so he emphasised on the importance of general hygiene. It will also help prevent diarrhea.

He advised special hygiene measures like washing hands thoroughly with soap before eating and after using the toilet, using safe water and keeping the environment cool, especially for those who handle children.