Healthy Soch
India
healthysoch
Chandigarh, July 19, 2026;
Health deterioration of a person who is on prolonged hunger strike is considered to be medical emergency but is highly variable.
According to Dr M. Wali, Principal Director, Internal Medicine, Pacific One Health, “The timing of health deterioration and becoming a medical emergency varies on various factors. It depends on age, existing health parameters before fasting, hydration, medications, environmental conditions and, most important, whether the person is taking only water or electrolytes.”
Dr Wali added, “There is no fixed timeline for vitals to deteriorate. First 24-72 hrs: The body suffers from hunger, dizziness and a mild drop in blood pressure. In 3 to 29 days, fluctuations in blood sugar can start. During this time the body relies heavily on stored fats. Weight loss, low blood pressure, slow pulse, dehydration and electrolyte imbalance starts developing.*
Beyond 10-14 days: This is the critical period when serious complications can arise especially kidney injury , heart rhythm abnormalities, confusion and collapse.”
According to Dr Anshu Rohtagi, Sr Consultant at the Department of Neurology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital After sustained and prolonged complete fasting of a couple of weeks, the risk of permanent organ damage and death increases manifold although survival depends on hydration and status of nutrition. Someone refusing both food and water can deteriorate much faster – sometimes in a few days also.”
According to Dr Niraj Tyagi, a renowned critical care specialist, “The visiting medical team looks for signs that generally prompt urgent medical evacuations.” Some of them are , loss of consciousness or inability to stay awake, confusion or delirium, chest pain , abnormal heart rhythm, very low blood pressure causing fainting or shock, persistent low blood pressure, severe dehydration, little or no urine output , dangerous imbalance of electrolytes and kidney or other organs injury”
According to a human rights expert, “Whether someone can be shifted to a medical facility or treated against their wishes depends on local laws, court orders, and, most importantly, whether the person is in sound mental health to make informed decisions.”
Dr Wali adds, “Once shifted to a medical facility, treatment depends on the patient’s condition and may include careful rehydration, correction of electrolyte imbalance, continuous cardiac and kidney monitoring , nutritional rehabilitation. Doctors usually monitor potassium, magnesium and glucose closely during refeeding.
It is important to note that even after recovery, the person may remain medically vulnerable even if they feel well.”
