Sweltering temperatures in the UAE, with some areas reaching a scorching 49.9ºC, have sparked concerns about heat-related illnesses posing serious health risks to residents.
Doctors have reported a rise in cases of heat stroke and heat exhaustion as the region battles harsh summer weather.
In a recent incident, a 42-year-old construction worker was rushed to Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi after experiencing severe muscle cramps, dehydration, altered sensorium, and low blood pressure.
His condition was critical, with a creatinine level exceeding 300, indicating acute kidney injury caused by muscle damage from severe dehydration.
Similarly, a 30-year-old Nepali fabricator working on an outdoor project developed weakness, cramps, stiffness in his hands and feet, along with a headache and nausea after about four hours under the sun.
Despite sweating profusely, he couldn’t drink enough fluids due to his cramped work area. He was taken to Thumbay University Hospital in Ajman for treatment.
Doctors diagnosed both men with heat exhaustion, a condition occurring when the body’s cooling mechanism fails to maintain a normal core temperature, leading to overheating. Both patients were discharged after 48 hours of treatment.
“Heat exhaustion is when your body is overheating, is not able to cool itself, and has lost excessive water and salts, often due to excessive sweating,” explained Dr. Farhan M. Asrar, a Dubai-born Canadian Public Health and Family Physician at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health.
“Heat stroke is when the body has lost the ability to control its temperature, and temperature is rising.”
Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Abdelrazek Deabes, a specialist in internal medicine at Burjeel Royal Hospital, Asharej, Al Ain, outlined symptoms of heat exhaustion: weakness, dizziness, muscle cramps, headache, nausea, vomiting, rapid pulse, and excessive thirst.
“When heat exhaustion is left untreated, blood supply gets diverted from vital internal organs to the skin, leading to multi-organ failure,” warned Dr. Kiran Kumar, specialist and head of the department of internal medicine at Thumbay University Hospital.
“Immediate medical intervention becomes necessary to prevent severe organ damage or death, as the body can no longer manage its temperature on its own.”
Certain populations are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, including those with medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, liver and kidney diseases, and heart disease.
Dr. Kumar highlighted other at-risk groups: overweight individuals, infants, children, the elderly, and pregnant women, due to their reduced ability to regulate body temperature and respond to heat stress.
To prevent heat illnesses, Dr. Kumar advised, “Remove the victim from the work area and move them to a shaded or air-conditioned area. Place the patient supine with their feet elevated above the level of their head, remove excess clothing and equipment, and cool the patient until their rectal temperature is approximately 101ºF (38.3ºC).
Rehydrate with chilled water or a sports drink if they are not nauseated or vomiting; administer IV fluids if they cannot drink. Monitor vital signs and transport to an emergency department if rapid improvement does not occur.”
Residents are urged to take precautions during extreme heat conditions. “Adequately hydrate, wear appropriate clothing, shade yourself from the heat, apply sunscreen, eat and drink items that help keep you cool, and limit going out during the hottest time of the day,” recommended Dr. Asrar. Dr. Kumar added, “Check on vulnerable individuals, avoid heavy meals and hot foods, and never leave children or pets in parked vehicles.”
As the UAE faces intense summer temperatures, these measures are vital in safeguarding against the serious health risks posed by heat-related illnesses.
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