As Kolkata swelters under oppressive heat and humidity, renal patients undergoing dialysis are encountering heightened risks of fluid imbalance, exacerbating their health challenges. The soaring temperatures have prompted many patients to increase their fluid intake beyond prescribed limits, leading to complications such as fluid overload or hypervolemia, which can trigger swelling and respiratory difficulties.
Medical experts and nephrologists emphasize the critical need for dialysis patients to adhere strictly to prescribed fluid intake limits to maintain optimal health. Typically restricted to 1,200 ml daily, adjustments may allow an additional 500 ml on exceptionally hot days, contingent upon individual heat exposure and sweat rates. This cautious approach aims to prevent dehydration while avoiding excessive fluid retention, crucial for patients reliant on dialysis.
A seasoned nephrologist, underscores the importance of monitoring weight stability in dialysis patients. He highlights that any weight gain due to increased fluid intake may necessitate adjustments in dialysis frequency to manage fluid accumulation effectively. This proactive management is essential as excess fluid can strain the heart and other vital organs, compounding health risks.
Conversely, a Doctor advises that elderly and cardiac patients, typically more susceptible to heat-related ailments, should consult physicians before adjusting their fluid intake. He recommends a cautious increase up to 1.5 to 2 litres per day only under medical guidance, especially during prolonged heatwaves when staying indoors is advised.
CMRI Hospital, a prominent healthcare institution in Kolkata, witnesses daily challenges in regulating fluid intake among its dialysis patients. Medical professionals diligently monitor each patient to ensure adherence to prescribed limits, striving to mitigate risks associated with fluid overload amidst climatic adversities.
