Summer in the UK means enjoying the sunshine, but it also brings a serious hidden risk: heat illness.
While we all love warm weather, high temperatures can quickly impact your health, sometimes without you even realising it. These conditions, collectively known as Hyperthermia, can range from minor discomfort to life-threatening emergencies if not recognised and treated quickly.
Know the Signs: What to Look For
It’s vital to know the symptoms of different heat-related illnesses. The sooner you spot them, the quicker you can act.
Heat Rash
This is a minor skin irritation caused by excessive sweating and clogged pores in hot, humid weather.
- Looks like: A red cluster of pimples or small blisters.
- Common areas: Neck, chest, groin, under breasts, or in elbow creases.
- Impact: Uncomfortable, disrupting sleep and abnormal behaviour or performance. Can complicate pre-existing skin conditions.
Heat Cramps
Common in people who sweat a lot during strenuous activity. If you only replace fluids and not lost salts and minerals, painful muscle cramps can occur.
- Symptoms: Painful muscle spasms in the stomach, arms, legs, or other body parts. These might happen during the day, or even at night.
Fainting (Heat Syncope)
If you’re standing for long periods or suddenly get up from a sitting or lying down position in the heat, you might experience sudden dizziness and fainting. This is due to a temporary lack of blood supply to the brain. Dehydration and not being accustomed to hot environments can increase your risk. Most people quickly regain consciousness after fainting.
- Symptoms: Sudden dizziness, light-headedness, unconsciousness.
Heat Exhaustion
This is your body’s response to losing too much water and salt through sweat.
- Symptoms:
- Heavy sweating
- Painful muscle cramps
- Extreme weakness and/or fatigue
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Dizziness and/or headache
- Fainting
- Fast, shallow breathing
- Clammy, pale, cool, and/or moist skin
Heatstroke
This is a medical emergency! Heatstroke is your body’s extreme response to prolonged, untreated exposure to high temperatures, often combined with dehydration. If you suspect heatstroke, call emergency services immediately.
- Symptoms:
- No sweating (a critical sign, as the body can’t cool itself)
- Mental confusion, delirium, convulsions, dizziness
- Hot and dry skin (can be red, bluish, or mottled)
- Muscles may twitch uncontrollably
- Throbbing headache, shallow breathing, and/or seizures
- Unconsciousness
Act Fast: Immediate Treatment
If you or a person you are with show signs of heat illness, follow these crucial steps:
- Move them to a cool place. Get them out of the sun and into shade or an air-conditioned area.
- Lie down and raise their feet slightly. This helps blood flow back to the brain.
- Get them to drink plenty of fluids. Water, sports drinks, or rehydration drinks are all good options. Avoid excessive alcohol or caffeine.
- Cool their skin. Spray or sponge them with cool water and fan them. Cold packs placed around the armpits or neck can also help lower their internal body temperature.
- Stay with them until they start feeling better.
If the situation escalates or worsens, contact emergency services immediately
Stay Ahead of the Heat: Prevention Tips
The best way to deal with heat illness is to prevent it. Here’s how:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Consider electrolyte drinks, but avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you.
- Dress Appropriately: Wear light, loose-fitting clothing whenever possible.
- Avoid Peak Heat: If you can, avoid being exposed to the sun during the hottest parts of the day.
- Take Extra Breaks: have breaks in cool, shaded areas.
- Pace Yourself: Slow down when it’s hot and avoid excessive physical exertion if possible.
Your well-being in the heat is a shared responsibility. By understanding these risks and taking proactive steps, we can all enjoy the summer safely. Stay hydrated, stay cool, and let’s look out for each other!
Disclaimer:
This information is for general guidance only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are concerned about your health or someone else’s, please seek immediate medical attention. For more detailed information on heat exhaustion and heatstroke, please visit the NHS website.