What are the signs of heat exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion can occur after prolonged exposure to high temperatures. According to the NHS, the main symptoms include headache, feeling sick, dizziness and confusion, excessive sweating, loss of appetite, cramps in the arms, legs and stomach, fast pulse and feeling very thirsty. In addition, children may become floppy or sleepy. Although heat exhaustion is not usually serious, it is important that the affected person drinks plenty of water and cools down, for example by using cold packs around the armpits or using a fan.

What about heatstroke?

Heat exhaustion can develop into heatstroke, a condition that occurs when the body can no longer cool itself. It can be fatal. While people with heat exhaustion usually feel better after cooling down and drinking water, those with heatstroke may continue to feel unwell. Those suffering from heatstroke may also experience shortness of breath, confusion and a temperature of 40C or higher. Unlike heat exhaustion, people suffering from heatstroke may also stop sweating even though they feel very hot. Other important signs include someone having a seizure, losing consciousness, or becoming unresponsive. If heat stroke is suspected it is important to call 999.

Who is most at risk?

While anyone can suffer from heat exhaustion or heat stroke, the NHS says some people are at greater risk than others, such as babies and young children, the elderly and people with chronic conditions such as diabetes. The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) has also warned that people doing outdoor activities that require high levels of physical activity may also be at increased risk, which could include manual workers and athletes. People living in top-floor flats may also be at greater risk, the NHS said, as well as those who may not be able to adapt their behavior to stay cool, such as people with Alzheimer’s disease. Subscribe to First Edition, our free daily newsletter – every morning at 7am. BST.

How can heat exhaustion and heatstroke be prevented?

The UKHSA recommends staying out of the sun between 11am and 3 p.m. and avoid physical exercise during the hottest part of the day. She also advises staying in the shade, wearing sunscreen and a hat, drinking plenty of fluids, carrying water when you’re out and about, and avoiding alcohol. It is also important not to leave children or animals in cars, even with the windows open. To stay cool indoors, NHS advice includes closing curtains in sun-facing rooms and keeping windows and doors closed if it’s hotter outside than inside. Looking out for others is also important, particularly for those who may struggle to stay cool or hydrated.

title: “Heatstroke In The Uk How To Spot Prevent And Treat Heat Stroke Uk News " ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-13” author: “Hazel Whitesell”

What are the signs of heat exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion can occur after prolonged exposure to high temperatures. According to the NHS, the main symptoms include headache, feeling sick, dizziness and confusion, excessive sweating, loss of appetite, cramps in the arms, legs and stomach, fast pulse and feeling very thirsty. In addition, children may become floppy or sleepy. Although heat exhaustion is not usually serious, it is important that the affected person drinks plenty of water and cools down, for example by using cold packs around the armpits or using a fan.

What about heatstroke?

Heat exhaustion can develop into heatstroke, a condition that occurs when the body can no longer cool itself. It can be fatal. While people with heat exhaustion usually feel better after cooling down and drinking water, those with heatstroke may continue to feel unwell. Those suffering from heatstroke may also experience shortness of breath, confusion and a temperature of 40C or higher. Unlike heat exhaustion, people suffering from heatstroke may also stop sweating even though they feel very hot. Other important signs include someone having a seizure, losing consciousness, or becoming unresponsive. If heat stroke is suspected it is important to call 999.

Who is most at risk?

While anyone can suffer from heat exhaustion or heat stroke, the NHS says some people are at greater risk than others, such as babies and young children, the elderly and people with chronic conditions such as diabetes. The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) has also warned that people doing outdoor activities that require high levels of physical activity may also be at increased risk, which could include manual workers and athletes. People living in top-floor flats may also be at greater risk, the NHS said, as well as those who may not be able to adapt their behavior to stay cool, such as people with Alzheimer’s disease. Subscribe to First Edition, our free daily newsletter – every morning at 7am. BST.

How can heat exhaustion and heatstroke be prevented?

The UKHSA recommends staying out of the sun between 11am and 3 p.m. and avoid physical exercise during the hottest part of the day. She also advises staying in the shade, wearing sunscreen and a hat, drinking plenty of fluids, carrying water when you’re out and about, and avoiding alcohol. It is also important not to leave children or animals in cars, even with the windows open. To stay cool indoors, NHS advice includes closing curtains in sun-facing rooms and keeping windows and doors closed if it’s hotter outside than inside. Looking out for others is also important, particularly for those who may struggle to stay cool or hydrated.