MANILA -- Drinking cold water to ease the sweltering summer heat is not bad for the health, a doctor said Tuesday, contrary to social media rumors.

An online post claimed that drinking or bathing in cold water when temperatures hit 40 degrees Celsius and above could make blood vessels explode.

"Fake news 'yan, hindi totoo," Dr. Tony Leachon said of the claim.

(That's fake news, false.)

"In fact, 'yan dapat ang gagawin natin during the time ng tag-init kasi ang body natin will need extra amount ng tubig. Madalas tayong papawisan dito at nade-dehydrate ang iba diyan," he told radio DZMM.

(In fact, that's what should be done during the dry season because our body will need an extra amount of water. We sweat frequently and some experience dehydration.)

Dehydration can lead to heatstroke, which is sometimes remedied by dunking the patient in a tub of cold water, said the cardiologist.

Among the symptoms of heatstroke, he said, are nausea, rapid heart beat and difficulty in urinating.

Those experiencing symptoms should lie down, loosen their clothes, drink water, wipe their body with wet towels and seek good ventilation, he said.

DZMM, 9 April 2019