The rising temperature, which is predicted to cross 45 degree Celsius in a few weeks in Telangana, not just makes one think about preventing sun strokes, but other health issues that are common in summer.
Urinary tract infections are one among these, apart from muscle cramps and heat exhaustion that makes a person dull.
Experts stress on the importance of balancing electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, that are crucial for the functioning of the brain and the nervous system. For instance, sodium generates electrical signals that are important for the functioning of the brain, muscles, nerves and other organs in a human body.
M. Vijay Saradhi, head of Neurosurgery Department at Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), says brain is a sensitive structure that gets affected by any change in electrolyte levels. “When a person sweats excessively, he/she loses sodium that is key to maintaining electric conduction in the brain. When the sodium level goes down, it affects the functioning of the brain. Hydration is must to replenish the lost electrolytes. When sodium level goes down, one has to consume salt water, with some sugar in it to make it palatable,” he says. Also, loss of potassium can cause muscle cramps, he adds.
P. Shravn Kumar, superintendent and head of Medical Gastroenterology Department at Gandhi Hospital, says when a person gets exposed to excess heat, electrolytes get concentrated in kidneys leading to water-electrolyte imbalance.
He says one should drink water to remove excess electrolytes in kidneys, else it could lead to a range of problems.
“The acids that are produced in our body during digestion should be excreted through urine. Consumption of more water dilutes these acids and helps in removing them from our body without any discomfort. However, if we consume less water, urine becomes acidic causing burning sensation while urinating. Besides, consuming less water causes urinary tract infections,” says Dr. Kumar.
Harsh days
Venturing out this summer may be a little hard with the officials of India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting that the temperatures in the State would touch 47-48 degree Celsius in the coming days. In Hyderabad, the maximum temperature might reach 45 degree Celsius.
According to the IMD, maximum temperature of 37.5 degree Celsius was recorded in Nizamabad on Sunday, while minimum temperature of 33.5 degree Celsius was recorded in Hanmakonda.