Abu Dhabi: The number of patients admitted to Shaikh Khalifa Medical City's (SKMC) emergency ward increased during Ramadan and on the first day of Eid Al Fitr.
According to statistics, most patients admitted on the last day of Ramadan and first day of Eid Al Fitr either suffered from or experienced abdominal pain, cardiac related problems, apart from cases of chest pain and car accidents.
Dr Murray Van Dyke, Chairman, Department of Emergency Medicine at SKMC, told Gulf News the emergency unit at the hospital also witnessed several patients suffering from heat exhaustion during Ramadan.
According to a report issued by the hospital, in June 2008, there were 20 patients reported to be suffering from heat injury. The number rose to 58 in July, 82 in August and 14 from September 1-16.
"Even though we have detected a decline in the number of heat-related cases this year, heat injury continues to be a common condition during hot seasons, especially among labourers and individuals working outdoors," said Van Dyke.
Signs of heat injury include headache, dizziness, weakness or muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting and drowsiness.
