A senior doctor at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital's Department of Internal Medicine on Wednesday, 20 May urged residents across India to minimise direct sun exposure and maintain adequate hydration as a severe heatwave grips multiple regions of the country. The advisory comes as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Delhi-NCR, warning of prolonged heatwave-like conditions through the week.

Three Heat-Related Conditions to Watch

Dr Atul Kakar, senior consultant at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital's Department of Internal Medicine, outlined three escalating heat-related health threats currently affecting patients. The first is heat exhaustion, characterised by weakness, lethargy, fever, and a general loss of energy. The second is heat cramps — painful muscle spasms triggered by excessive heat and fluid loss.

'Finally, the severe form of heat-related complication is heat stroke, which is a medical emergency,' Dr Kakar said. He noted that the hospital has already recorded cases of heat cramps and heat exhaustion this season, with patients presenting complaints of exhaustion, muscle pain, and fever.

IMD Orange Alert Covers Delhi-NCR and Neighbouring States

According to the IMD, Delhi-NCR, along with Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh, is expected to face severe heat conditions through the current week. The orange alert signals that residents should remain on guard and take precautionary measures, as temperatures are forecast to remain dangerously high for several consecutive days. This is part of a broader heatwave pattern affecting large swathes of northern and central India.

Doctor's Advice: What to Do and Avoid

Dr Kakar stressed that direct sun exposure should be kept to an absolute minimum, particularly between 12 noon and 3 pm — the peak heat window. 'If people need to go outdoors during this time, they must cover themselves properly,' he said, recommending the use of an umbrella or head covering.

On hydration, he advised people to regularly consume ORS water, lassi, and similar fluids. 'Such measures will help people to protect themselves,' he urged. He also cautioned against taking any additional medicines without a doctor's recommendation.

High-Risk Groups: Senior Citizens and Those with Chronic Illnesses

Dr Kakar issued a specific warning for senior citizens and individuals living with conditions such as cancer, kidney disease, and heart-related ailments. 'Such patients get severely affected due to the heat. So, they should maintain hydration and keep taking medicines on time,' he said. For this group, avoiding direct sun exposure is not optional — it is a medical necessity.

With temperatures expected to remain elevated in the coming days, health authorities and clinicians alike are urging the public to treat heatwave conditions with the same seriousness as other medical emergencies.