DOHA: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has cautioned the public about the importance of protecting children, the elderly, outdoor workers, and others who may be vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

Each summer, hundreds of patients are treated at HMC’s Emergency Departments and Pediatric Emergency Centers for heat-related illnesses. Between April and November 2017, over 1,000 heat-related illnesses were reported at Hamad General Hospital’s Emergency Department, with the largest number of patients seen in late August and early September, said a statement.

“Children are more sensitive to heat and cold stress than adults and are more susceptible to dehydration and heat illnesses. Heat tolerance is directly affected by body size and children have a lower ability to tolerate heat,” said Dr. Mohamed Al Amri, Senior Consultant, Pediatric Emergency Medicine.

He said children are also at an increased risk of dehydration and overheating because they sweat less and produce more heat when exercising. He says children may not recognize when they are thirsty or may get distracted and ignore the signs of thirst, not wanting to interrupt their play time.

“Parents should limit their child’s outdoor playtime and encourage playing under shaded areas. Without precautions, children can develop sunburn, heat rash, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion,” he cautioned.

Dr Al Amri has also warned of the risk of leaving babies and young children unattended in vehicles or other enclosed spaces. He said even on a cool day, the temperature inside a car can quickly rise to a dangerous level.

“Children should never be left unattended in a vehicle. Young children left alone in a vehicle may play with the car’s ignition, accidentally stop the engine, or lock themselves in. The temperature in a vehicle parked in direct sunlight can quickly rise, placing occupants at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning as the gas can come through the air conditioner vents. A child left in a hot car is at risk of dehydration, heatstroke, and even death,” said Dr. Al Amri. According to Dr Al Amri, knowing the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses are important in their prevention. He said these can range from blisters on the skin, in the case of sunburn, to a headache and loss of consciousness in cases of heat exhaustion.

Dr Hanadi Al Hamad, Chairperson of HMC’s Department of Geriatrics and Long Term Care, said the elderly are also vulnerable to high temperatures and heat-related illness. She said older people may have diminished sensations, especially those who have dementia or diabetes and may not be aware they are thirsty or hot. She says relatives, friends, or neighbors of elderly individuals should be on the lookout for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

“The elderly are at higher risk of developing heat-related illnesses and need special care and attention during the hot summer months. People of advanced age, especially those aged 65 and above, can rapidly develop serious and life-threatening conditions such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke. They are also at risk of developing complications to existing medical conditions. It is important that we frequently check on our elderly family members, friends, and neighbors to make sure they are safe, especially those who are living alone, have chronic medical conditions, or have difficulty caring for themselves,” she added.

HMC’s Senior Consultant of Emergency Medicine, Dr. Warda Al Saad cautioned that those who work outdoors should take precautions against heat-related illnesses.

“To avoid heat-related illnesses, outdoor workers should increase their water and fluid consumption. They should be drinking regularly throughout the day so that they don’t get thirsty. Avoiding direct sunlight between 10am and 4pm is also recommended, as this is generally the hottest period of the day,” Dr. Al Saad added.