Experts urge hydration, awareness to prevent heat-related illnesses

People should not wait until they feel thirsty to drink water during extreme summer conditions, as symptoms such as dizziness, muscle cramps, fainting, confusion, and excessive sweating could signal the onset of serious heat-related illnesses, experts said at a webinar organised by The Hindu on Saturday (May 23, 2026). At the webinar titled ‘Heat and Health: What You Need to Know’, Jaichitra Suresh, senior consultant physician and diabetologist at Soukya Clinic and Home Healthcare, and Karthik Gunasekaran, professor in the Department of General Medicine at Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, discussed heat-related illnesses, warning signs that require medical attention, and the broader public health impact of rising temperatures.

Speaking about heat-related illnesses, Dr. Suresh said prolonged exposure to high temperatures can affect the body’s natural thermoregulation mechanisms and lead to a range of health conditions, from mild heat rash and cramps to severe heat exhaustion and heat stroke. She described heat-related illnesses as both an environmental and occupational hazard that is becoming more common due to global warming and rising summer temperatures. She also urged people to stay hydrated, avoid direct exposure during peak afternoon hours, wear loose and light-coloured clothing, and reduce strenuous outdoor activity during heatwave conditions.

Gunasekaran said the frequency and intensity of heatwaves have increased globally over recent decades and are linked to growing numbers of hospitalisations, emergency visits, cardiovascular complications, kidney injuries, and deaths. He explained how prolonged exposure to extreme heat affects the body’s ability to regulate temperature, which can eventually lead to dehydration, exhaustion, organ dysfunction, and heat stroke. Gunasekaran discussed emergency response measures for severe heat illness, stressing that rapid cooling and early medical intervention are critical in preventing fatalities and long-term complications.

He urged people to recognise early symptoms of heat stress and seek medical attention without delay. The session was moderated by Geetha Srimathi, senior reporter, The Hindu.