Doctors across the National Capital Region (NCR) have reported a sharp increase in cases of heat-related illnesses over the past few days, with outpatient departments (OPDs) experiencing higher patient footfall.
“There has been a steady rise in cases of dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heatstroke. Many patients are presenting with symptoms such as dizziness, headache, nausea, fatigue, and low blood pressure,” said Dr. Mugdha Tapdiya, director, Department of Internal Medicine at Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj.
Doctors say the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those engaged in outdoor occupations such as auto drivers and daily wage workers are among the most vulnerable groups, and advise against seeking information from AI chatbots, adding that patients who do so are likely to visit doctors only when their symptoms worsen.
Dr Tushar Tayal, associate director, Department of Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, said, “There has been an increase of approximately 10–15% in the number of patients visiting for consultations related to heat disorders over the past two weeks. Typically, the symptoms reported include exhaustion, dizziness, excessive sweating, dehydration, and headache.”
