10 September 2023 , 22:49
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Brits are being warned of subtle signs of dehydration and heat exhaustion to look out for as much of the country swelters in a September heatwave.
After a washout for much of the summer, there has finally been a run of hot days where temperatures have climbed into the 30s. At the same time the muggy conditions mean it is important to keep well hydrated.
While it is normal to have a thirst under beating rays of sunshine, dehydration is a very serious condition and like heat exhaustion, it is more likely to affect younger children and the vulnerable, states the NHS.
Signs of dehydration can be subtle especially when looking out for them in babies and could include a lack of tears when crying, sunken eyes or a sunken soft spot on the head. The NHS states: “Dehydration means your body loses more fluids than you take in. If it's not treated, it can get worse and become a serious problem.”
And it is important for the body to keep properly topped up with fluids. "Your body needs to be properly hydrated to function at its best," Dr Phillip Davis, medical advisory board physician for ShineWater told CBS. "By avoiding dehydration and staying properly hydrated, it allows you to regulate your body temperature best, prevent infection, deliver nutrients to cells and will even result in improved sleep quality."
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And Dr Alexa Mieses Malchuk also told the outlet: "Being thirsty is sensation that your body creates to tell you that it's time to drink water, but I don't want that to be confused with actually being dehydrated. Being dehydrated is a lot more severe and does have some classic signs and symptoms."
Symptoms of dehydration in adults and children include:
- feeling thirsty
- dark yellow, strong-smelling pee
- peeing less often than usual
- feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- feeling tired
- a dry mouth, lips and tongue
- sunken eyes
Signs of dehydration in a baby include:
- a sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on top of their head
- sunken eyes
- few or no tears when they cry
- not having many wet nappies
- being drowsy or irritable
Meanwhile, heat exhaustion is similarly dangerous with symptoms that can include dizziness, headaches, cramps or fast breathing. The NHS advises people suffering the condition to be moved to a cooler place, have unnecessary clothing removed and given drinks which are preferably cool or designed for rehydration. Along with this, attempts should be made to cool the skin by using cool water, sponges or cold packs.
Signs of heat exhaustion include:
- tiredness
- dizziness
- headache
- feeling sick or being sick
- excessive sweating and skin becoming pale and clammy or getting a heat rash, but a change in skin colour can be harder to see on brown and black skin
- cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
- fast breathing or heartbeat
- a high temperature
- being very thirsty
- weakness
The UK saw the hottest day of the year so far recorded on Saturday, with the mercury hitting 32.7C at Heathrow. The previous record was set on Thursday with Wisley, Surrey, hitting 32.6C. The UK has now sweltered through seven days of temperatures above 30C in September for the first time.