As heat waves are sweeping across the country, the extreme heat is taking a toll on people, especially children and elderly ones and those with pre-existing conditions, with hospitals reporting a rise in cases of heat-related diseases.

A severe heat wave is sweeping through the districts of Pabna and Chuadanga and a mild to moderate one across Rangpur, Dhaka, the rest parts of Rajshahi and Khulna divisions and the districts of Barishal, Patuakhali and Rangamati, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).

The heat waves may continue throughout the current month with higher temperatures on most of the days and this may cause immense suffering for the people.
Sources at hospitals and private chambers of doctors said there has already been a rush of patients with various health complications like influenza, typhoid and diarrhoea in different parts of the country, including Dhaka city.

With the rise in temperatures, health experts fear a worsening situation after the Eid-ul-Fitr vacation as children and elderly people may be affected more by different types of diseases, including fever, respiratory illness, dehydration, asthma, diarrhoea and cholera.

“The extreme heat wave can lead to dehydration, low blood pressure, cardiac collapse, heat stroke and skin burn,” said Dr Md Fazle Rabbi Chowdhury, an associate professor of the Department of Internal Medicine at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU).

He noted that people with co-morbidities such as uncontrolled diabetes, chronic kidney disease, asthma and skin diseases, those above 60 years and children under 10 are the most vulnerable.
Dr Fazle Rabbi recommended a daily fluid intake of 2-2.5 litres and wearing full-sleeved clothes to limit direct exposure to the sun.

International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) noted an uptick in diarrhoea cases with around 400-450 patients rushing to it daily on average.
Talking to the Daily Sun, some city dwellers said their children were suffering from different diseases, including influenza, typhoid and diarrhoea, while some elderly people said their asthmatic problems have turned acute due to hot weather for the last few days.

Rakibul Islam, a resident of the city’s Mirpur area, said his 12-year-old son has been suffering from a fever for the last four days with symptoms of diarrhoea. “My baby girl aged around two years also suffered a fever and recovered two days back,” he added.
Across Dhaka, patients were seen rushing to different hospitals with similar health complications.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), heat waves, or heat and hot weather that can last for several days, can have a significant impact on society, including a rise in heat-related deaths. Heat waves are among the most dangerous of natural hazards but rarely receive adequate attention because their death tolls and destruction are not always immediately obvious.
Dr Md Jahangir Alam, director at Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute, noted an influx of patients suffering from fever, diarrhoea, cold and cough. He stressed the importance of keeping children hydrated and indoors to prevent heat-related illnesses.

He warned that if parents do not keep children away from direct sunlight and do not keep them indoors during hot weather, this may affect their health.
“Though the situation is still normal, I fear that after Eid-ul-Fitr, the situation may get worse with rising daily temperatures. During that time, children may be affected by different diseases, including dehydration. To keep children protected from the impact of the extremely hot temperature, they’ll have to be kept safe and hydrated,” Dr Jahangir added.
To stay safe during a heat wave, the WHO recommends keeping living spaces cool and maintaining the ideal room temperature below 32°C during the day and 24°C during the night, particularly for infants or people who are over 60 years of age or have chronic health conditions.
It has also advised for opening all windows and shutters during the night and early morning when the outside temperature is lower (if safe to do so).
Electric fans may provide relief, but when the temperature is above 35°C, they may not prevent heat-related illness. It is important to drink fluids, wear light, loose-fitting clothes made of natural materials, and go outside wearing a wide-brimmed hat or cap and sunglasses.

“Take cool showers or baths. Wear light, loose-fitting clothes of natural materials. If you go outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat or cap and sunglasses. Use light bed linen and sheets, and no cushions, to avoid heat accumulation,” the WHO said.
It also advised drinking regularly, but avoiding alcohol and too much caffeine and sugar, and eating small meals and eating more often.
The WHO also urged avoiding foods that are high in protein.
According to the BMD, though the temperature remained comparatively low on Sunday, 2-4 mild (36°C-37.9°C) to moderate (38°C-39.9°C) heat waves and 1-2 severe (40°C-41.9°C) to extreme heat wave (42°C or above) may take place this month.