Hajj is a journey in which spirituality is mixed with physical effort. In the scenes of circumambulation, seeking, and moving between the holy sites, the pilgrim exerts great physical effort amidst high temperatures and constant crowding, which makes health awareness an essential part of safely performing the rituals.
Doctors warn that dehydration and heat stress are among the most common health problems during the Hajj season, especially among the elderly and patients with chronic diseases, stressing that prevention begins with understanding the body’s signals before reaching the dangerous stages.
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Drought…the silent enemy of pilgrims
Dehydration is not limited to feeling thirsty, but rather it is a disorder that occurs when the body loses water and salts at a rate that exceeds its ability to compensate, which affects its vital functions.
During Hajj, the body loses large amounts of fluids due to:
- Excessive sweating
- Hiking
- Direct exposure to the sun
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Excessive consumption of stimulants such as coffee and energy drinks
- Some diuretic medications
Specialists point out that many pilgrims do not drink water until they feel thirsty, while the body has already entered an early stage of dehydration.
Signs that should not be ignored
Doctors confirm that there are warning symptoms that require stopping, resting, and replacing fluids quickly, most notably:
- Extreme thirst
- Dry mouth and lips
- Headache
- Dizziness and poor concentration
- Sudden fatigue
- Less urination or a change in urine color to dark
- Accelerated heartbeat
As fluid loss continues, important mineral salts such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium begin to decrease, leading to muscle spasm and disruption of the functioning of the nerves and heart.
Specialists explain that these minerals play a vital role in regulating nerve electricity, muscle contraction, and regular heartbeat, so replacing fluids and salts during Hajj is not a luxury, but rather a necessity to protect the body’s balance.
Heat stress: when the body loses its ability to cool down
The body has a precise system to regulate its temperature and maintain it near 37 degrees Celsius, through sweating and dilating blood vessels when the temperature rises.
But with prolonged exposure to the sun, crowds, and constant movement, what is known as the “heat burden” rises, and the body begins to gradually lose its ability to cool, and symptoms of heat exhaustion appear.
The most prominent of these symptoms are:
- Profuse sweating
- Headache
- Nausea
- Pulse acceleration
- General weakness
- Dizziness
- Muscle spasm
- Sudden feeling of exhaustion
Doctors warn against ignoring these signs and continuing to walk or be exposed to the sun, because this may lead to heat stroke, which is the most dangerous stage of heat exhaustion.
Heatstroke…a medical emergency
Heatstroke occurs when the body temperature rises dangerously, and the brain and vital organs begin to be affected.
Among its signs are:
- Severe high temperature
- Disturbances of consciousness or mental confusion
- Fainting
- Severe acceleration of heartbeat
- Difficulty speaking or loss of balance
- Sometimes the sweating stops
At this stage, the injured person needs urgent medical intervention to avoid potentially life-threatening complications.
The elderly and chronic disease patients…the most vulnerable group
The risk of dehydration and heat exhaustion increases in older people, because the body’s ability to regulate heat decreases with age, and the sense of thirst also weakens.
As for patients with diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and obesity, they are more vulnerable to fluid loss and heat complications, especially with the use of some medications that diuretic or affect fluid balance.
Doctors advise these groups to:
- Get frequent breaks
- Drink water regularly
- Avoid direct exposure to the sun
- Use protective umbrellas
- Commitment to taking medications on time
- Seek medical help as soon as you feel tired
- Smart hydration…don’t wait for thirst
Health experts stress that drinking water during Hajj must be regular and not only linked to feeling thirsty.
It is also recommended to consume foods and liquids that help replace salts, such as:
- Dates
- Banana
- Yogurt
- Light soups
Specialists warn of some common mistakes, such as:
- Drink large amounts at once and then stop for hours
- Reliance on soft drinks and energy drinks
- Reduce drinking water for fear of repeatedly going to the bathroom
Doctors confirm that caffeine and high sugars may increase fluid loss, while drinking small and frequent amounts of water helps maintain the body’s balance.
Comfort is not weakness
Some pilgrims exhaust themselves thinking that rest reduces the reward, while medical and religious recommendations stress the importance of being gentle with the body and not burdening it beyond its capacity.
Therefore, it is recommended to regulate physical effort, avoid long walks in the afternoon hours, and postpone strenuous activities until the early morning or after sunset.
Sunscreen umbrellas have also become one of the most important means of protection during Hajj, along with light cotton clothing and good ventilation.
Balanced nutrition…safe fuel for pilgrims
In hot climates, fatty meals become an additional burden on the body, so it is preferable to:
- Eat light, balanced meals
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Reducing fats and sugars
- Avoid overeating
Nutrition experts confirm that moderation in food helps reduce feelings of lethargy and stress while moving.
When should you seek medical help?
Doctors advise not to hesitate to seek medical care as soon as any of the following symptoms appear:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Fainting
- Mental confusion
- Persistent vomiting
- Severe high temperature
- Inability to stand or walk
Specialists confirm that early intervention may prevent the development of dangerous complications associated with dehydration and sunstroke.
