The usual reason for such sudden fatalities is given as massive cardiac arrests or fatal brain strokes. However, everybody struggles to explain how this could happen to a relatively healthy person?

Hyderabad: Ever wondered why off-late healthy individuals are dropping dead suddenly? Such instances tend to go viral when persons collapse in the middle of physical activity like Yoga or a brisk walk.

A leading immunologist from Hyderabad has suggested that under-diagnosed and unchecked cytokine storms (hypercytokinemia) in the human body could be behind this alarming trend.

"In recent years, the global medical community has observed a concerning rise in cases of cytokine storm syndrome (hypercytokinemia). This life-threatening condition, characterized by an excessive and uncontrolled release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, is emerging as a significant but highly under-diagnosed health threat with potentially devastating consequences for patients," says senior immunologist, Dr Vyakaranam Nageshwar.

Increasingly, in the last few years, cytokine storms are being linked to sudden deaths, cancers, autoimmune diseases, trauma and cancers. As a result, Dr Vyakaranam says that it is vital for doctors to actively diagnose cytokine storm syndrome (hypercytokinemia), which can be lifesaving.

"Essentially, cytokine storms trigger a cascade of inflammatory responses in the body, leading to multi-organ dysfunction and, in severe cases, mortality. That's why, it is important that doctors are thorough in their diagnostic workups of patients, who come with unexplained inflammatory symptoms," he says.

So what are these unexplained inflammatory symptoms?

There are many instances of individuals suffering from unexplained chronic/persistent fatigue, unexplained rashes and skin problems, neurological symptoms like tingling, numbness and even cognitive difficulties, frequent stomach pain, diarrhea and even constipation.

"Clinicians must utilize a combination of laboratory investigations, imaging studies, and specialized tests to identify and manage this condition effectively. Increased awareness and research are the need of the hour," says Dr Vyakaranam.

Why This Matters

Cytokine storms have the potential to affect individuals of all ages and backgrounds and if left undiagnosed or untreated, it can lead to severe complications like sudden heart attacks due to cardiac inflammation, brain clots and multi-organ failure.

Recommendations for doctors/clinicians

· Maintain a high index of suspicion for hypercytokinemia in patients with unexplained inflammatory symptoms.

· Collaborate across specialties to assess potential organ-specific damage.

· Utilize advanced diagnostic tools and cytokine-targeted therapies for timely intervention.

Symptoms: High fever, extreme fatigue, respiratory distress, cardiovascular instability, and multi-organ failure.

Complications: Hypercytokinemia has been linked to sudden cardiac death (SCD), brain clots, and aneurysms due to its inflammatory effects on vital organs and blood vessels.