As an intense heatwave grips large parts of India, Dr Neeraj has issued a stark warning: drinking plain water is not enough to protect against heat-related illnesses. Speaking to ANI on May 21, the doctor cautioned that along with sweat, the body loses essential electrolytes, especially sodium, and failure to replenish them can lead to life-threatening complications.

The Electrolyte Gap

“As the heat increases, the sweetening process in the body increases. This leads to dehydration. You feel thirsty, and if you don't pay attention to this, the most important thing is that along with this sweat, our electrolytes, especially sodium, also begin to decrease,” Dr Nishchal explained. He emphasised that simple hydration is insufficient and urged people to drink lemonade, coconut water or ORS to replenish electrolytes.

Warning Against Alcohol

Strongly advising against alcohol consumption in hot weather, Dr Nishchal said, “Alcohol should be completely avoided. So, if anyone says that drinking chilled beer can beat the heat, I'd say they're wrong”.

Potential Complications

Highlighting the medical risks, the AIIMS doctor warned that ignoring dehydration can cause organs, especially the kidneys and heart, to begin shutting down. “If we still don't pay attention, other organs, especially the kidneys and heart, begin to shut down, and if you don't pay attention, it can prove fatal,” he cautioned.

Preventive Measures

Dr Nishchal urged people to take preventive steps while stepping outdoors, including using umbrellas and hats to avoid direct sunlight. The warning comes as the India Meteorological Department issued an orange alert for heatwave conditions in Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Telangana, Odisha and Uttarakhand.

Heatstroke Cases Rising

Maharashtra has recorded 292 heatstroke cases and 15 suspected deaths between March 1 and June 4 this year, with heat-related OPD visits rising by 5-15% and hospital admissions by 2-8% compared to last year. At least 16 people have died of heatstroke in southern India so far this summer.

What Next

Health experts recommend carrying electrolyte-rich drinks while stepping out and avoiding outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours. The Ministry of Health continues to monitor the situation closely and urges citizens to remain alert for danger signs of heat-related illnesses including dizziness, headache, nausea and high body temperature.