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Heat-related cases on the rise

DUBAI, RAS AL KHAIMAH & AL AIN — Hospitals across the country have received several heat-related cases over the past couple of days.

According to doctors at the Emergency and Trauma Centre at Rashid Hospital, over four major cases, including one of heat strokes, were treated at the hospital.

At least 28 minor heat-related cases also have been received at the hospital since the beginning of this month, while 21 were received in June.

Dr Boutrous Viktor, doctor in-charge at the centre, said most of those treated were workers brought in by their companies. "Though there have not been many severe cases, but heat exhaustion cases also mean that body fluids have been lost which is the first thing we administer when they are brought in," he explained.

Doctors also reported that there were delays in reporting of cases. "Many cases walk into the hospital by the day's end after work. They may be having the symptoms for a long time, but get to the hospital only in the evening," said a doctor, who did not wish to be named.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended that workers should not be exposed to environments that would cause their internal body temperature to exceed 38 degrees Centigrade.

Six patients were received at Seif Obadullah Hospital in Ras Al Khaimah yesterday, mostly suffering from dehydration and high blood pressure. A doctor at the hospital's Emergency Section said some patients were workers, while others were reported to have collapsed on the sidewalks during the day in different parts of the emirate.

An official from the RAK Medical District said that other hospitals and some private clinics in Ras Al Khaimah have been also receiving many such cases.

The Emergency Unit in Al Ain Hospital received two heat exhaustion cases during the past three days and at least 39 patients complaining of renal colic (kidney pain) caused due to less water consumption.

Dr Aisha Darweesh Al Khamiry, head of the hospital's Emergency Department, said that among the 39 patients were Egyptians, Pakistanis, Afghans, Jordanians, Bangladeshis and Indians. "The two cases of heat exhaustions were Bangladeshis," she added.

She highlighted that the renal colic and heat exhaustion cases were due to lack of drinking water on the hot days.

"Renal colic pain begins in the kidney area or below it and spreads through the side and reaches the bladder," she explained. Other symptoms include vomiting, nausea, swollen abdomen, fever and blood in the urine.

"We advise workers to drink adequate water during summer season," she said.

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