Heatstroke: Dr Hilary gives his advice for sufferers
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Heatstroke poses a unique danger every summer, as climbing temperatures test people’s bodies. Most people will welcome the latest 30C highs, but the unexpected turn may have left some uncomfortable. Older Brits risk more severe complications while out in the Sun and suffer more profoundly from heatstroke.
What are the signs of heatstroke?
Heatstroke is a successor of heat exhaustion, a non-fatal condition that develops with exposure to high temperatures.
Heat exhaustion can make people feel thirsty, aches and pains, dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea and more.
If allowed to develop without cooling for 30 minutes, people risk heatstroke.
Heatstroke is a severe condition that constitutes a medical emergency.
People should call 999 if they experience these symptoms or see them in someone else:
- Feeling unwell after resting for 30 minutes in a cool place and drinking water
- Not sweating while feeling too hot
- A high temperature (38C +)
- Fast breathing or shortness of breath
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Unresponsiveness
These symptoms tend to persist across age groups, but over 65s are especially at risk from the condition, experts state.
Luca Rado, co-founder of The Live In Care Company – an agency that connects vulnerable people with local in-home carers – said it is vital people keep an eye on elderly loved ones right now.
He told Express.co.uk ageing bodies are “more prone” to the effects of heatstroke.
Mr Rado said they tend to have a “decreased ability to adjust to varying temperatures”, and more likely to have a chronic medical condition.
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He ran through the signs people need to watch out for during heatwaves like the past weeks’.
He said: “In terms of signs to watch out for, a key one is extremely hot skin, combined with a lack of sweat.
“Having both of these symptoms means that the body isn’t regulating temperature as well as it could be, with sweat being a key process in cooling the body down.
“Dizziness and nausea are perhaps more obvious symptoms that occur when the situation becomes more serious.”
“The nausea is a result of dehydration. Dizziness comes from blood rushing to the skin due to the high temperature, meaning sudden drops in blood pressure.”
“The severity of heatstroke in the elderly cannot be overstated.
“Without proper treatment that is given quickly, the person suffering from heatstroke could suffer from life-changing disability or death.”
Mr Rado said older people don’t have to shy away from the Sun, but they will need to “take every precaution” to avoid prolonged heat and sunlight.
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