Are your symptoms normal in a heatwave – or the sign of a more serious health problem? - The Coventry Observer

Are your symptoms normal in a heatwave – or the sign of a more serious health problem?

Coventry Editorial 12th Jul, 2022   0

Many of us might experience a loss of appetite or swollen fingers in hot weather, but Prudence Wade finds out when you should seek help.

The heatwave continues to rage on, with little sign of the warm weather cooling down.

A rare amber warning has been issued across a large part of the UK, stating there could be a danger to life or potential serious illness due to the high temperatures.

There’s even a 30% chance Sunday could be the hottest day ever recorded in the UK (highs of 38.7C were recorded in July 2019).

With such extreme temperatures, it’s important to look after your wellbeing – making sure you’re drinking enough water, and not spending too much time in the sun.

Dr Angela Rai says:




“Signs of heat exhaustion include dizziness, headaches, excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin, cramps in your arms and legs, fast breathing or pulse, breathlessness and feeling very thirsty.

“However, these symptoms can also indicate other health conditions,” she says.


Photo of Dr Angela Rai. Picture credit: PA Photo/Handout.

So at what point should you be concerned that symptoms you feel in the heat might point something more worrying?

Loss of appetite

Dr Bryony Henderson, lead GP at digital healthcare provider, Livi (livi.co.uk) says:

“In hot weather, you may notice a decrease in your appetite.

“This is because our bodies are trying to regulate our body temperature by cutting down on heat-generating functions like the digestion of food. However, if you have been experiencing a persistent loss of appetite that doesn’t seem to be related to a simple explanation, such as the hot weather, consult with your GP.”

Photo of Dr Bryony Henderson, lead GP at the digital healthcare provider, Livi. Picture credit: PA Photo/Handout.

Feeling thirsty

It’s important to stay hydrated during a heatwave, particularly as you might be losing more fluids than normal due to sweat. But what if your thirst feels like it just can’t be quenched?

This could be “a sign of high sugar or diabetes”, says Rai, so you might want to see a doctor.

Breathlessness

Breathlessness could be a sign of heat exhaustion – along with dizziness, headaches, cramps and nausea. Dr. Henderson says:

“It’s important to take action to cool your body down quickly and avoid heatstroke. Move to a shady area or cool room as soon as possible, then lie down and raise your feet slightly.

“Make sure to drink plenty of water or a sports drink. Cool your skin by spraying it with tepid water or switching on a fan, and, if you can, try placing ice packs on your groin, armpits or neck. If you’re still feeling unwell 30 minutes after cooling down, call emergency services.”

If breathlessness persists – or you suspect it’s not due to the heat – Rai says it can also be a sign of heart or lung conditions. She recommends watching out for signs of wheezing, as this could potentially signal “an underlying lung condition”.

Fingers swelling

If you regularly wear rings, you’ll be well acquainted with the feeling of panic when you realise your fingers have swollen up in the heat, making it difficult to slide them off. And it’s not just your fingers – your shoes might feel tighter, too.

According to Henderson:

“This is because the blood vessels in our bodies expand to send more blood to the skin to cool down the body”. There’s a simple fix for it though – “Running your hands under a cool tap can help to reduce swelling, and remember to keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water,” she says.

But while fingers and feet typically do swell in the heat, Rai adds:

“It can also be linked to autoimmune and rheumatological conditions.”

Picture credit: Alamy/PA.

Clammy skin

Feeling sweaty is part and parcel of extreme temperatures. However, if your normal sweating is coupled with pale and clammy skin, Rai says this can be associated with heart conditions, especially if there is also chest pain.

She says:

“If there is chest pain and sweating, this could be angina or even signs of a heart attack, and urgent medical attention is required.”

Is it heat exhaustion or heatstroke?

Heat exhaustion is not usually serious if you can cool down within 30 minutes. If it turns into heatstroke, it needs to be treated as an emergency.

Check for signs of heat exhaustion

The signs of heat exhaustion include:

  • a headache
  • dizziness and confusion
  • loss of appetite and feeling sick
  • excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin
  • cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
  • fast breathing or pulse
  • a high temperature of 38C or above
  • being very thirsty

The symptoms are often the same in adults and children, although children may become floppy and sleepy.

If someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion, they need to be cooled down.

Things you can do to cool someone down

If someone has heat exhaustion, follow these 4 steps:

  1. Move them to a cool place.
  2. Get them to lie down and raise their feet slightly.
  3. Get them to drink plenty of water. Sports or rehydration drinks are OK.
  4. Cool their skin – spray or sponge them with cool water and fan them. Cold packs around the armpits or neck are good, too.

Stay with them until they’re better.

They should start to cool down and feel better within 30 minutes.

Call 999 if:

You or someone else have any signs of heatstroke:

  • feeling unwell after 30 minutes of resting in a cool place and drinking plenty of water
  • not sweating even while feeling too hot
  • a high temperature of 40C or above
  • fast breathing or shortness of breath
  • feeling confused
  • a fit (seizure)
  • loss of consciousness
  • not responsive

Heatstroke can be very serious if not treated quickly.

Put the person in the recovery position if they lose consciousness while you’re waiting for help.

Preventing heat exhaustion and heatstroke

There’s a high risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke during hot weather or exercise.

To help prevent heat exhaustion or heatstroke:

drink plenty of cold drinks, especially when exercising

take cool baths or showers

wear light-coloured, loose clothing

sprinkle water over skin or clothes

avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm

avoid excess alcohol

avoid extreme exercise

This will also prevent dehydration and help your body keep itself cool.

Keep an eye on children, the elderly and people with long-term health conditions (like diabetes or heart problems) because they’re more at risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

See your GP or call 999 if you’re worried about any of these symptoms.

For more information on heatstroke and heat exhaustion from the NHS click here

Printing

We can provide all of your printing needs at competitive rates.

Online Editions

Catch up on your local news by reading our e-editions on the Coventry Observer.

Business Directory

From plumbers, to restaurants, we can provide you with all the info you need.

Recruitment

Find a career you'll love with our free career finder website.