Returning to the UAE after spending several weeks in a cooler destination can leave some travellers feeling unusually tired, sluggish or generally out of sorts. According to a family medicine specialist, this is often part of the body’s natural process of readjusting to extreme heat and humidity.

Dr. Renuka Ramasamy, Specialist in Family Medicine at International Modern Hospital Dubai, explains that spending time away from a hot environment can temporarily reduce some of the body’s heat adaptations.

“When someone spends a couple of weeks in a much cooler climate, some of the body’s adaptation to extreme heat can begin to diminish,” she says. “Heat acclimatisation influences how efficiently we sweat, regulate our core temperature and manage the cardiovascular strain caused by hot weather.”

These adaptations can start declining within days or weeks when a person is no longer regularly exposed to high temperatures. When they return suddenly to the UAE’s summer conditions, their body must work harder to maintain a safe and stable core temperature.

More blood is directed towards the skin to release heat, sweating increases and the cardiovascular system must compensate for the additional strain. As a result, some people may initially feel unusually tired, physically heavy, less energetic or generally unwell.

“It is essentially a period of re-acclimatisation,” Dr. Ramasamy explains. “Fortunately, someone who was previously accustomed to the UAE climate will generally readjust more quickly than a person experiencing this level of heat for the first time.”

Heat, dehydration and disrupted routines

The sudden change in temperature is rarely the only reason people feel unwell after returning from holiday. Heat, humidity, dehydration, poor sleep and changes to daily routines can combine to make the transition more difficult.

In hot and humid conditions, sweating and fluid loss increase. At the same time, high humidity makes it harder for sweat to evaporate from the skin, reducing the body’s ability to cool itself efficiently.

Even relatively mild dehydration can contribute to fatigue, headaches, dizziness and difficulty concentrating.

“Travel may also disrupt sleep, meal times, exercise habits and normal daily routines,” Dr. Ramasamy says. “People can arrive home already tired or inadequately hydrated and then immediately expose their bodies to considerable heat stress.”

Certain groups are more vulnerable to the effects of high temperatures. These include older adults, young children, pregnant women, outdoor workers and people undertaking strenuous outdoor exercise. Individuals with chronic medical conditions and those taking medications that affect hydration, sweating or temperature regulation should also be particularly cautious.

Give the body time to readjust

During the first few days back in the UAE, people should allow their bodies to gradually readjust instead of immediately returning to a demanding routine.

Drinking water regularly throughout the day is important, rather than waiting until intense thirst develops. People who are sweating heavily may also need to replace electrolytes. However, those with heart or kidney conditions, or who have been advised to restrict their fluid intake, should follow their doctor’s individual recommendations.

Restoring a regular sleep and meal schedule as soon as possible can also support recovery. Fruits, vegetables and other water-rich foods may help maintain hydration, while excessive alcohol consumption should be avoided because it can worsen dehydration.

Exercise should initially be lighter, particularly when performed outdoors. Strenuous physical activity should be avoided during the hottest part of the day, and both the intensity of exercise and the amount of time spent outdoors should be increased gradually as heat tolerance returns.

“The body needs time to readjust,” Dr. Ramasamy says. “People who are not fully acclimatised should reduce the intensity and duration of outdoor exercise during their first week back in a hot environment.”

When symptoms require medical attention

Although mild tiredness and reduced energy may be part of normal re-acclimatisation, people should not automatically dismiss more serious symptoms as a consequence of returning from holiday.

Significant dizziness, fainting, confusion, persistent vomiting, severe weakness or other concerning symptoms may indicate heat-related illness and require prompt medical assessment.

“It is important to distinguish normal readjustment from possible heat illness,” Dr. Ramasamy warns. “Severe or persistent symptoms should not simply be attributed to coming back from holiday.”

For most healthy people, careful hydration, adequate sleep, lighter exercise and gradual exposure to outdoor heat can make the transition back to the UAE climate safer and more comfortable.

Dr. Renuka Ramasamy
Specialist in Family Medicine
International Modern Hospital Dubai

NMC Speciality Hospital, Al Nahda successfully treats Rare case of Guillain – Barré Syndrome in an 11 – Month old Infant

Dubai, UAE – A multidisciplinary medical team at NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Nahda has successfully treated an 11-month-old infant diagnosed with Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS), specifically acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN), variant, enabling the infant to make a complete recovery.

The infant, who was previously healthy, was brought to NMC Specialty Hospital after developing severe irritability and an inability to bear weight following a recent viral illness. Recognising that these symptoms could indicate a serious underlying neurological condition, specialists initiated a comprehensive assessment, leading to the diagnosis of acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN), a rare variant of Guillain–Barré syndrome.

Guillain–Barré syndrome is an autoimmune neurological disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system. While it can affect individuals of all ages, it is rarely reported in infants younger than one year often making diagnosis particularly challenging.

The case was led by Dr. Krupa Torne, Paediatric Neurologist, and involved close collaboration among experts from Paediatrics, Neuroradiology, Neurophysiology, Physiotherapy and Nursing. The coordinated efforts of the multidisciplinary team enabled a prompt diagnosis and immediate initiation of treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy, which is considered one of the most effective interventions for Guillain–Barré syndrome when administered early.

“The rarity of Guillain–Barré syndrome in infants can make diagnosis difficult, as symptoms may initially be mistaken for more common childhood illnesses,” said Dr. Krupa Torne. “In this case, the early recognition of neurological symptoms, combined with rapid multidisciplinary assessment and treatment, played a crucial role in achieving an excellent outcome. It highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for neurological conditions even in very young children.”

Following treatment, the infant was closely monitored and underwent physiotherapy to support recovery and mobility. Over the following weeks, the infant demonstrated steady neurological improvement, regaining strength and motor function.

At the eight-week follow-up appointment, the infant was able to walk independently and showed a completely normal neurological examination, marking a full recovery.

The successful outcome underscores the importance of access to specialist paediatric neurological expertise and integrated multidisciplinary care in managing complex and rare childhood conditions.

“This case reflects the strength of collaborative care and the advanced capabilities available at NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Nahda,” said Dr. Torne. “When specialists across disciplines work together seamlessly, we can deliver timely, evidence-based treatment that significantly improves outcomes for our youngest and most vulnerable patients.”

The infant’s parents expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the entire medical team, acknowledging the compassionate care, clinical expertise and unwavering support that helped their infant make a full recovery.

NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Nahda continues to provide comprehensive paediatric care supported by advanced diagnostic capabilities and specialised clinical expertise, helping patients with both common and complex conditions achieve the best possible outcomes.

WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK (1st–7th August)

Breastfeeding: The First Gift That Lasts a Lifetime By Dr. Mamata Bothra
Specislist Pediatrician & Pediatric Neurologist at International Modern Hospital Dubai

It’s 2 a.m. Your newborn has just fed… again. Grandma thinks the baby is still hungry. Google says one thing. Instagram says another. A well-meaning aunt suggests formula. Dad is trying to make tea while wondering if babies actually sleep. And you’re asking yourself… “Doctor… am I doing something wrong?” If this sounds familiar, welcome to parenthood! Every year, from 1st to 7th August, the world celebrates World Breastfeeding Week, a global campaign coordinated by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO)and UNICEF. It is a reminder that while breastfeeding is the most natural way to nourish a baby, it is not always easy—and no mother should have to do it alone. This year’s World Breastfeeding Week theme is “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works”. announced by WABA reinforcing the global commitment to protect, promote and support breastfeeding through families, healthcare systems, workplaces and communities. The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, followed by appropriate complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding up to two years of age or beyond, as long as mother and child wish. Here in the UAE, where families come from every corner of the world, I meet new parents every day who bring different traditions, beliefs and advice from home. Yet despite our diverse cultures, the questions are surprisingly similar—and so are the worries. The Golden Hour… One Hour That Can Change a Lifetime One of the most beautiful moments in medicine happens quietly. A newborn is placed on the mother’s chest immediately after birth. The baby slowly lifts the head, searches, and instinctively finds the breast. No instructions. No YouTube videos. No parenting apps. Just nature doing what it has perfected over millions of years. This precious first hour, known as the Golden Hour, helps regulate the baby’s temperature, breathing and blood sugar while strengthening the bond between mother and baby. It also encourages successful breastfeeding and improves long-term health outcomes. Then come those precious first drops of milk—colostrum. Often called Nature’s First Vaccine, colostrum is rich in antibodies, immune cells and growth factors that protect babies from infections and help build a healthy immune system from the very first day of life. More Than Food… Breastfeeding is Love in Its Purest Form Breastfeeding isn’t simply about filling a tiny stomach. It comforts a frightened baby. Calms pain after a vaccination. Provides warmth during illness. Strengthens emotional security. And quietly builds the baby’s brain and immune system with every single feed. Research continues to show that breastfed babies have lower rates of diarrhea, pneumonia, ear infections, allergies, obesity, diabetes and several chronic diseases later in life. Breastfeeding has also been linked with improved cognitive development and emotional wellbeing. The benefits don’t stop with babies. For mothers, breastfeeding helps the uterus recover after delivery, reduces postpartum bleeding, supports recovery, and lowers the long-term risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Simply put… Breastfeeding is one of the few interventions that improves the health of two people at the same time. Confessions from a Pediatrician’s Clinic… After years of caring for newborns, I’ve noticed something rather amusing. The babies are usually quite relaxed. It’s the parents who look like they’ve just sat for an exam they never prepared for! Every clinic day begins with questions like… “Doctor, my baby wants milk every hour.” “Doctor, my milk looks watery.” “Doctor, my breasts suddenly feel soft… has my milk dried up?” “Doctor, it’s so hot in Dubai. Should I give water?” “Doctor… everyone at home has a different opinion!” My answer usually starts with a smile. “Congratulations! Your baby is behaving exactly like… a baby.” Let’s Clear Up Some Common Confusion Newborns have tiny stomachs,Breast milk is digested quickly, so feeding every one to three hours is completely normal. Frequent feeding does not mean your milk is inadequate; it is simply how babies stimulate the body to produce more milk. One of the conversations I have almost every day with new mothers begins with the same worry: “Doctor, I don’t think I have enough milk.” I gently reassure them, “No mother starts with bottles full of milk on the first day.” Nature doesn’t work that way. In the first few days after birth, your body produces small amounts of colostrum—those precious golden drops often called nature’s first vaccine. Although the quantity seems tiny, it is exactly what your newborn needs because a baby’s stomach is small initially. As your baby suckles more frequently, your body receives the signal to produce more milk. It’s a beautiful demand-and-supply system—the more effectively the baby feeds, the more milk is produced. Over the next few days, your milk gradually increases to meet your baby’s growing needs. One of the most fascinating aspects of breastfeeding is that breast milk is uniquely designed for your own baby. It changes not only from one month to another, but from one feed to the next, and even during the course of the day. It provides the perfect balance of water, nutrients, healthy fats, proteins, antibodies, hormones and immune factors that your baby needs at that particular stage of growth. Nature truly has no better nutritionist than a mother’s own body. Living in the UAE, another concern I hear almost daily is whether babies need water during our intense summer heat. The answer is reassuring. Healthy babies who are exclusively breastfed do not need additional water during the first six months of life—even during the UAE summer. Breast milk is nearly 88% water and provides all the hydration a healthy infant requires. Many mothers also worry when their breasts begin to feel softer after a few weeks. That is actually good news. It usually means your body has become more efficient at making milk—not that the milk has disappeared. And then there are grandparents… Bless them! Their advice comes from love. Sometimes… not from science. “Your milk looks thin.” “The baby cried once—give formula.” “The baby isn’t sleeping for four hours.” Fortunately, babies don’t judge milk by its appearance. Breast milk naturally changes throughout a feed. The early milk ( foremilk)satisfies thirst, while the richer hindmilk provides energy and healthy fats. Nature got it right long before social media arrived. Seven Practical Tips Every New Parent Should Know 1. Watch your baby—not the clock.
Feed when your baby shows hunger cues such as rooting, sucking on hands or lip smacking.Check for activity, cry and hydration. 2. Count wet diapers—not opinions.
Six or more urine wet diapers each day after first few days usually indicate good feeding. 3. Every baby is different.
Please don’t compare your baby’s feeding with your neighbour’s baby. 4. Ask for help early.
A painful latch can usually be corrected quickly if addressed early. 5. Stay hydrated and nourished.
A healthy mother is better equipped to care for a healthy baby. 6. Rest whenever you can.
Laundry will wait. Babies won’t. 7. Trust yourself.
Mothers often know their babies better than they realise. Dear Fathers… This Part Is Especially for You You may not be able to breastfeed. But you can become the greatest breastfeeding supporter in the house. Bring her water. Prepare a meal. Change nappies. Rock the baby after feeds. Protect her rest. Tell her she’s doing an incredible job. Sometimes the best breastfeeding support doesn’t come from milk. It comes from love. When Should You Call Your Pediatrician? Seek medical advice if your baby is unusually sleepy, refusing feeds, passing fewer than six wet diapers after the first week, developing fever, persistent jaundice or poor weight gain. Mothers should also seek help if breastfeeding is persistently painful, if there is breast redness, fever or concerns regarding milk supply. Remember… Most breastfeeding challenges are temporary. Most can be solved. And most mothers simply need reassurance rather than replacement feeding. A Message to Every Mother Dear Mum, If you’ve ever cried because breastfeeding felt difficult… If you’ve doubted yourself… If you’ve searched Google at 3 a.m.… If you’ve wondered whether you’re enough… Please know this. You are learning. So is your baby. Give yourselves grace. Because breastfeeding isn’t about perfection. It’s about patience, practice and love. As pediatricians, we prescribe antibiotics, inhalers and medicines every day. But perhaps the most powerful prescription we can ever write for a new mother is confidence. To simply look at her and say… “You’re doing better than you think.” This World Breastfeeding Week, let us replace myths with science, criticism with encouragement, and pressure with compassion. Because breastfeeding is not merely the baby’s first meal. It is the first vaccine. The first cuddle. The first comfort. The first promise of lifelong health. “When we support breastfeeding, we don’t just nourish one baby—we build a healthier generation, one family at a time.” Happy World Breastfeeding Week! “A mother’s confidence is often the best medicine a newborn can receive. Support her, encourage her, and together we give every child the healthiest possible beginning.” — Dr. Mamata Bothra, Specialist Pediatrician & Neonatologist