Signs of Heat Exhaustion (If in hot weather/ hot climate/beware if have sunburn or heat rash) - Medtick
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Signs of Heat Exhaustion (If in hot weather/ hot climate/beware if have sunburn or heat rash)

What is it?

When we are surrounded by heat our bodies get hotter, if one is exposed to too much heat, our bodies want to cool down to a temperature of approx 37 degrees Celsius so it does the following:

  • As the body gets hotter, blood vessels open up.
  • This leads to lower blood pressure and makes the heart work harder to push the blood around the body.
  • This can cause mild symptoms such as an itchy heat rash and/or swollen feet as blood vessels become leaky.
  • At the same time, sweating leads to the loss of fluids and salt and, crucially, the balance between them in the body changes.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-49112807

Look out for signs of heat exhaustion (If so seek medical advice)

Persons on medications shown below may not realise they are having heat exhaustion/heat stroke as they can mask those symptoms:

Be aware of ones taking the following medications:

Drug effects and the risk of heat-related illnesses

Examples

Symptoms

  • High temperature 38 degrees or above?
  • Headache?
  • Dizziness and fainting (due to not drinking enough water)?
  • Breathing difficulties/short of breath?
  • Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting?
  • Diarrhoea?
  • Cramps in stomach and/or arms and/or legs?
  • Heavy sweating , clammy skin and/or pale skin (skin cools down by removing heat via sweat glands)?
  • Tiredness?
  • Thirsty?
  • Heat rash (as heat is lost from the skin, blood vessels dilated to remove heat)?
  • Swollen ankles (increased blood flow , heart working harder, blood vessels become more leaky)?

Babies and Children:

  • Watch out for floppiness and/or  extreme tiredness and/or sleepiness?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Please do not wait, call for an ambulance, if patient is not cooling down within 30 minutes if measures below are taken:

  • Stop physical activity.
  • Move them to a cool place i.e shade or cold room.
  • Slow, gentle stretches of cramped muscles.
  • Replenish lost fluids (Drink sips of plain water for re-hydration) and electrolytes with oral fluids/sports drinks.
  • Lie patient down and raise their feet slightly.
  • Cool the skin – spray water or use a wet cool water sponge/towel.
  • Stay with patient for 30 min to monitor if cooling down.
  • Look out for signs of heat exhaustion (If so seek medical advice), If heat exhaustion is occurring and one is not cooling down with in  and/or getting worse within 30 mins then it may be heat stroke.
Beware of: Rhabdomyolysis (Crush syndrome)

Ways to avoid Heat exhaustion

The UK Health Security Agency has some tips:

  • Look out for those who may struggle to keep cool, such as older people, those with underlying conditions and and those who live alone
  • Stay cool indoors by closing curtains on rooms that face the sun
  • Drink plenty of fluids and don’t drink too much alcohol
  • Don’t leave anyone, especially babies, young children and animals, in a locked vehicle
  • Keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm when the sun’s rays are strongest
  • Keep in the shade, use sunscreen with a high SPF 50 and UVA rating, and wear a wide-brimmed hat
  • Avoid physical exercise in the hottest part of the day
  • Take water with you if travelling
  • Be aware of hidden dangers in rivers and open water if tempted to cool off.

Prepare your home

  • Use an indoor thermometer to monitor temperature and identify cool areas
  • Open all windows at night and early morning
  • Close windows and curtains in the day
  • Turn off lights and unnecessary electrical devices
  • Ensure central heating is turned off
  • Check fridges, freezers and air ventilation are working
  • Use an indoor thermometer to monitor temperature and identify cool areas
  • Open all windows at night and early morning
  • Close windows and curtains in the day
  • Turn off lights and unnecessary electrical devices
  • Ensure central heating is turned off

Stay cool

  • Take a cool bath/shower
  • Find somewhere cool indoors or outdoors
  • Avoid going outside in the hottest part of the day, between 12–3pm
  • Stay in the shade
  • Use an electric fan or air conditioning, if available
  • Hang wet towels inside to lower the air temperature
  • Eat small meals and often

Dress appropriately for the weather

  • Wear light, loose-fitting clothes made of natural materials

Protect yourself from the sun

  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses outside
  • Wear sun cream (at least sun protection factor 15 with UVA protection)

Keep hydrated

  • Drink plenty of fluids
  • Carry water with you
  • Avoid sugary, caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, which can cause dehydration
  • Replace salts and minerals if sweating heavily

Monitor those at risk

  • Know the signs of heat-related illnesses
  • If you feel unwell with symptoms of dehydration or heat, move to a cool place and drink water or fruit juice to rehydrate
  • Seek medical help if you feel unusual symptoms or symptoms persist
  • Ensure medications are stored below 25°C or refrigerated as per product specification
  • Keep in regular contact during heatwaves
  • Monitor underlying health conditions and seek help if concerned
  • Follow sick day guidance for medications if relevant
  • Ensure babies, children and older people are not left in cars or other closed spaces
  • Keep prams and pushchairs in the shade

Pace yourself

  • Limit activity on hot days
  • Avoid vigorous activity
  • Exercise in the evening or early morning when it is cooler

Listen to the weather forecast and the news

  • Follow latest guidance
  • Plan ahead

Stay safe when swimming

  • Look for advice and guidance signs
  • Only enter water with adequate supervision and rescue cover
  • Beware of underwater hazards and currents
  • Wear a buoyancy aid for activities on the water or at the water’s edge

Fire safety

  • Avoid bonfires and take extra care with barbeques as dry ground increases fire risk

The Pharmaceutical Journal, PJ, May 2023, Vol 310, No 7973;310(7973)::
DOI:10.1211/PJ.2023.1.185985

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

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