Prolonged heatwave in Andhra Pradesh leading to silent dehydration, say doctors

Simple steps like drinking water and regularly consuming foods and beverages rich in electrolytes could go a long way in preventing silent dehydration, doctors say | Photo credit: File photo

As the world grapples with global warming and rising greenhouse gas emissions, Visakhapatnam and other cities in Andhra Pradesh are expected to face prolonged heatwaves in the coming years. This, medical experts say, is leading to silent dehydration, especially among children and the elderly.

At a media workshop on: ‘Understanding Silent Dehydration and its Management’, organised by the Indian Medical Academy (for Preventive Health), here on Tuesday, Dr Loknath Tripathy, Internal Medicine Physician, SK Clinics, and Dr MVE Rama Naidu, General Medicine Physician, Happy Clinic, spoke on the importance of fluid and electrolyte intake to combat the rising cases of silent dehydration crisis.

Citing data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and other sources, they said that in the last decade, the rising heat crisis has claimed over 1,788 lives in Andhra Pradesh, with affected cities and towns grappling with a growing, but often overlooked, health crisis: silent dehydration. In April 2024, Visakhapatnam city had recorded a high temperature of 43.4°C, with perceived temperatures frequently reaching 50°C due to extreme humidity.

This harsh climate caused an alarming increase in silent dehydration, a health risk characterized by a gradual loss of body fluids and electrolytes. Silent dehydration was a dangerous health risk, often going unnoticed until it became severe.

Health risks associated with heat waves, such as dehydration, exhaustion and heat stroke, can quickly escalate into life-threatening illnesses. The increase in cases of silent dehydration has led to a massive influx of patients into public hospitals, they said.

Dr Tripathy said that while electrolytes can be replenished with ORS (oral rehydration salts) to overcome dehydration in diarrhoeal conditions, in non-diarrhoeal conditions, electrolyte drinks with energy play a crucial role in recovery. While homemade fluids can be considered, ready-to-serve electrolyte drinks offer a convenient option. They provide a known amount of electrolytes along with energy, which helps in faster recovery and treat silent dehydration.

Dr Rama Naidu called for awareness and education at the community level to combat the problem of silent dehydration. The public should be made aware of the signs and dangers of silent dehydration. Simple measures like drinking water and regularly consuming electrolyte-rich foods and beverages could go a long way in preventing this condition, he added.