Here is how to identify red flags and save lives

Hyderabad: Doctors at AIG Hospitals, Banjara Hills, have issued an advisory urging the public to treat heat-related illnesses with utmost seriousness.

This follows a sharp rise in mercury in Hyderabad.

Experts warn that a fatal heat stroke often masks itself as simple fatigue, and the window for intervention is dangerously narrow.

Recognizing the Rapid Progression, Dr. Imran Shareef, HOD and Senior Consultant of Emergency Medicine at AIG Hospitals, highlights that heat stroke is not just about feeling overheated; it is a critical failure of the body’s temperature-regulation system.

“Heat stroke can progress from mild symptoms to a life-threatening situation within minutes,” Dr. Shareef explains. “A person who initially complains of weakness or dizziness can quickly become confused, collapse, or lose consciousness. Once the core body temperature rises significantly, organ damage can begin rapidly, affecting the brain, heart, and kidneys,” adds Dr Shareef.

Dr. Shareef identifies key red flags that demand an immediate medical response: disorientation, the cessation of sweating despite extreme heat, seizures, or an inability to respond normally. “At that point, waiting or attempting home remedies alone is dangerous; immediate medical care is essential,” he adds.

The “Push Through” Trap

Dr. Praveen Kumar Koppula, Director and Senior Consultant of Internal Medicine at AIG Hospitals, notes that heat-related illness often begins with subtle, easily missed signs.

“Many people try to ‘push through’ early symptoms like fatigue, muscle cramps, or a sense of unease, especially while working or traveling,” Dr. Koppula says.

“This significantly increases the risk of complications. When dehydration worsens and the body’s ability to regulate temperature fails, patients may develop headaches, nausea, and confusion. At that stage, you are moving from heat exhaustion into heat stroke, where vital organs, particularly the brain, are at risk,” says Dr Koppula.

Dr. Koppula advises caregivers to watch for clear warning signs of distress, including persistent vomiting, difficulty staying alert, or reduced urine output. He emphasizes that monitoring a person’s mental status is often the earliest indicator of serious involvement.

Emergency First Aid

Both experts stress that bystander intervention in the first few minutes is crucial. Dr. Shareef advocates for aggressive, immediate cooling: “In emergency medicine, we say that in heat stroke, ‘cooling is the treatment.’ Move the person to a shaded area, remove excess clothing, and begin active cooling using cold water sponging or ice packs over the neck, armpits, and groin.”

Dr. Shareef also offers a vital safety tip regarding rehydration: “If the person is conscious, small sips of fluids can be given. However, if there is any confusion or drowsiness, oral intake must be avoided to prevent choking.”

Dr. Koppula concludes by reminding the public that heat-related illness is largely preventable, provided we respect the body’s early signals. “For families, early intervention makes a meaningful difference. Respect these early signals and act promptly,” concludes Dr Koppula.