Coping with extremes of heat – Monthly Health and Wellbeing update from Paramind Medical Ltd
Periods of extreme heat are becoming a more regular part of UK summers. For some people, hot weather is uncomfortable. For others, it can become dangerous, especially when heat lasts for several days, nights remain warm, or people are unable to cool their home properly.
This Monthly Health and Wellbeing update from Paramind Medical Ltd explains how to reduce the risks of heat-related illness, how to spot when someone may be becoming unwell, and how to support people who are more vulnerable during hot weather.
Heat can affect anyone. However, extra care should be taken with older people, babies and young children, people with long-term health conditions, people with breathing or heart conditions, pregnant people, outdoor workers, people who are socially isolated and anyone who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated.
Why extreme heat can be risky
The body normally cools itself by sweating and increasing blood flow to the skin. During hot weather, especially when it is humid or there is little breeze, this cooling system has to work harder.
When the body cannot cool itself effectively, a person may become dehydrated, develop heat exhaustion, or in more serious cases, develop heatstroke. Heatstroke is a medical emergency.
Hot weather can also make existing health conditions worse. People with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart conditions, diabetes, kidney disease, dementia or reduced mobility may be at higher risk. Some medicines can also affect hydration, temperature control or how the body responds to heat.
Practical ways to stay cooler
Keep out of the strongest heat where possible
Try to avoid spending long periods outside during the hottest part of the day. In the UK, the sun is usually strongest between late morning and mid-afternoon, so it is sensible to plan essential journeys, dog walks, errands and physical tasks for earlier or later in the day.
If you do need to go out, stay in the shade where possible, wear loose light clothing, use sunscreen, wear a hat and take water with you.
Keep your home cooler
Simple steps can make a real difference indoors:
Close curtains or blinds in rooms that face the sun.
Keep windows closed during the hottest part of the day if it is hotter outside than inside.
Open windows later in the evening or early morning when the air is cooler, if it is safe to do so.
Spend time in the coolest part of your home.
Avoid using ovens, hobs, tumble dryers or other appliances that add extra heat where possible.
Use cool water on the skin, a damp cloth, a cool shower or a foot bath to help bring body temperature down.
Fans can help some people feel cooler, but they do not treat serious heat illness. If someone is becoming confused, faint, very hot, or their symptoms are worsening, take action rather than relying on a fan alone.
Drink regularly
Drink fluids regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty. Water is usually best. Cold drinks and foods with a high water content, such as fruit, can also help.
Avoid drinking too much alcohol, as it can increase dehydration risk. People who have been advised to restrict fluids because of a medical condition should follow their clinician’s advice.
Signs of heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion can often be treated if it is recognised early and the person is cooled down.
Symptoms may include:
Feeling very tired, weak, dizzy or faint.
Headache.
Heavy sweating.
Feeling sick or being sick.
Muscle cramps.
Intense thirst.
A fast pulse.
A high temperature.
Cool, pale or clammy skin.
What to do for suspected heat exhaustion
Move the person to a cooler place.
Help them lie down and raise their feet slightly.
Give them water or a rehydration drink if they are fully awake and able to drink safely.
Cool their skin with cool water, damp cloths, a fan, or by loosening unnecessary clothing.
Stay with them and monitor how they are responding.
If they improve within around 30 minutes, it is likely to be heat exhaustion. They should still rest, avoid further heat exposure and continue to drink fluids.
When heat becomes an emergency
Heatstroke is a medical emergency and needs urgent help.
Call 999 if someone:
Is still unwell after 30 minutes of cooling.
Has a very high temperature.
Feels hot but is not sweating.
Is confused, drowsy, agitated or acting unusually.
Has a seizure.
Loses consciousness.
Has fast breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain or severe worsening of an existing condition.
Do not delay seeking emergency help if you are seriously concerned.
Supporting people with chronic breathing conditions
Hot and humid weather can make breathing more difficult for people with asthma, COPD and other lung conditions. Heat can also increase air pollution and pollen levels, which may trigger symptoms.
Practical breathing condition advice during hot weather
Keep taking prescribed preventer medication as advised.
Carry reliever inhalers or rescue medication if these are part of the person’s treatment plan.
Avoid outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day.
Check pollen and air pollution forecasts if these are known triggers.
Keep indoor spaces as cool as possible.
Use a written asthma or COPD action plan if one has been provided.
Seek medical advice if symptoms are increasing or rescue medication is needed more often than usual.
Anyone with severe breathlessness, blue lips, chest pain, confusion, collapse or symptoms that are not improving with their usual emergency plan should receive urgent medical help.
Check on vulnerable people
During periods of extreme heat, a quick check-in can prevent serious harm. Consider contacting:
Older relatives, neighbours or friends.
People who live alone.
People with dementia or reduced mobility.
People with long-term health conditions.
Families with babies or very young children.
People who may not be able to access cool spaces easily.
Ask whether they have enough drinks available, whether they can keep their home cool, whether they have their medication, and whether they know who to contact if they become unwell.
Keep emergency information easy to find
Extreme heat can worsen existing medical conditions quickly. If someone becomes confused, collapses, becomes breathless, or needs urgent help, responders and carers may need key information quickly.
Useful information includes:
Known medical conditions.
Current medication.
Allergies.
Emergency contacts.
Care preferences.
Key safe details where appropriate.
Information about pets, dependants or carers.
Important documents or care plans.
Paramind Medical Ltd Lifeline products are designed to help keep essential emergency information accessible when it matters. This can be particularly helpful for people living alone, older relatives, people with long-term conditions, people with communication difficulties, and anyone whose medical details may not be immediately known in an emergency.
Sensible use of NHS and emergency services
Hot weather can place extra pressure on NHS services. Many heat-related symptoms can be helped early by cooling down, resting and drinking fluids.
Use NHS 111 online or call NHS 111 for urgent medical advice when it is not a life-threatening emergency.
Call 999 for serious symptoms, suspected heatstroke, severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, collapse, seizure, severe confusion, or if someone is not responding normally.
Heat safety checklist
Before and during very hot weather:
Check the weather forecast and heat-health alerts.
Plan essential tasks for cooler times of day.
Keep drinking fluids regularly.
Close curtains or blinds in sunny rooms.
Avoid strenuous activity in the hottest part of the day.
Keep medication stored safely and according to instructions.
Check on vulnerable family members, neighbours and colleagues.
Make sure emergency information is up to date and easy to access.
Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Final message from Paramind Medical Ltd
Extreme heat should be taken seriously, but small actions can make a big difference. Staying hydrated, keeping cool, checking on others and recognising early signs of heat illness can help prevent emergencies.
Paramind Medical Ltd encourages everyone to prepare before hot weather becomes severe, especially where people have long-term health conditions, live alone, or may need help quickly in an emergency.