With extreme heat levels in place this week, the NHS is sharing the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke to look out for.
During hot weather it can be easy to overheat. Spending too long in the sun or not staying properly hydrated can lead to heat exhaustion.
Heat exhaustion is not usually serious if you can cool down within 30 minutes, however if left untreated it can quickly turn to heatstroke. Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when your core body temperature reaches 40C or higher and must be treated immediately.
Common symptoms 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
• Extreme thirst
These are the same in adults and children, although children can also turn sleepy and floppy.
Dr Mohit Mandiratta, a local GP in the Black Country, said: “Heat exhaustion can quickly lead to heatstroke if not caught and treated early enough, so with high temperature levels expected over the next few days, it is important that people know how to deal with it.
“To help prevent heat exhaustion drink plenty of cold drinks, take cool baths or showers and wear light coloured and loose clothing. Try to stay out of the sun between 11am-3pm and avoid alcohol and exercise as this will help prevent dehydration.
“If someone has heat exhaustion, move them to a cool place and get them to lie down with their feet raised slightly. Ensure they drink plenty of water, cool their skin with cold water and fan them. They should start to cool down and feel better within 30 minutes.
“Remember to keep an eye on children, the elderly and people with long-term health conditions, such as diabetes or heart problems, as they’re more at risk in the hot weather.”
If someone with heat exhaustion does not improve after 30 minutes, they may have heatstroke. You should call 111 if they still feel unwell after drinking plenty of water, aren’t sweating even while feeling too hot, have a high temperature of 40C or above or feel confused.
Dr Mandiratta added: “Heatstroke can affect anyone, including fit and healthy people, and be very serious if not treated immediately.
“It can come on quickly, over minutes, or gradually over hours, so it’s important we all stay alert over the next few days.”
