5 reasons the summer could be tough on you

Written By: Pavitra Sampath | Updated : May 15, 2015 3:18 PM IST

The sweltering heat might not be the only problem you are likely to have this summer. The heat brings with it a host of easily avoidable conditions that you must know about. Here are the 5 reasons the summer could be tough on you.

1. Dehydration/Sun stroke: Since 70% of our body is made of water, drinking at least 8-10 glasses of water per day is essential to maintaining the body's essential water reserves. During the summers low water intake, made worse by spending too much time in the sun, leads to dehydration which is a much more serious problem than what people can fathom. Doctors warn that severe dehydration can cause irreversible damage to the brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. Some of the most common symptoms experienced are dizziness, feeling weak and thirst.

2.Viral fever: As the name suggests, it is caused due to a virus and is common at times when temperatures fluctuate. Some of the common symptoms seen are low or high grade fever, body pain and sore throat, running nose, headache, muscle and joint pain. Usually a condition that is resolved on its own in about a week, the patient should rest adequately and drink enough fluids.

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3. Diarrhea: Caused due to unsanitary foods, diarrhoea is common in the summers. The symptoms of diarrhoea include frequent passage of loose, watery, soft stools with or without abdominal bloating and cramps. Although in some cases diarrhoea can be dangerous, in mild cases it resolves with time and some care taken at home.

4. Migraine/headaches: It is now believed that headaches or migraines can be aggravated by dehydration and an extremely warm climate. Doctors say that dehydration leads to a headache because the blood vessels contract leading to lesser blood flow to the brain. Though the brain itself cannot perceive pain, the surrounding muscles can. This leads to a headache or in some cases a migraine. Some of the tell-tale symptoms are headaches that start from the front of the head and slowly progresses to the back, usually localized to one side of the head, it can become worse when the person bends down or stays out in the sun for too long.

5. Gastroenteritis: Also mistaken for food poisoning, gastroenteritis is a food borne illness where a bacteria or virus causes irritation and inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Usually caused due to food prepared using unsanitary methods, gastroenteritis can cause severe symptoms such as nausea, cramping abdominal pain and vomiting. You may also experience symptoms such as headaches and muscle pain. A fairly more severe form of diarrhea, it is essential that you visit a doctor for the treatment of this condition.