As the heatwave rages on, Scots are being urged to take care of themselves in hot weather to avoid a serious medical emergency.
It is well known that staying in the sun for too long can cause health problems, such as sunburn, but there is still a risk of becoming ill from the heat - even if you remain indoors.
Heatstroke is a condition that occurs when the body can no longer regulate its temperature due to overheating. It is a more severe form of heat exhaustion which does not require medical attention, but both exhibit similar symptoms.
Like its name suggests, heatstroke is caused by over exposure to high temperatures rather than sunlight, so it can even happen if you take sun shelter. Left untreated, heatstroke can cause serious damage to the kidneys and other vital organs, according to medical website Patient.info.
The NHS states that children and older people with health conditions are most at risk for coming down with heatstroke. Its symptoms like confusion and dizziness make it difficult for sufferers to treat themselves, with help by others usually always necessary.
Therefore, it is important to know the warning signs of heatstroke to help a loved one in danger. It is also vital to know how it differs from heat exhaustion.
The NHS has also shared ways to prevent heatstroke amid soaring temperatures.
Difference between heat exhaustion and heatstroke
When the body becomes hot, its cooling mechanisms kick in. According to Patient.info, sweating is the main form of temperature regulation and urine becomes more concentrated - darker in colour - to preserve fluids and keep the body hydrated.
But continued exposure to hot conditions cause the body to struggle, resulting in heat exhaustion, which can creep up fairly quickly.
Its main symptoms include dizziness and feeling faint, tiredness, headache, feeling sick, lack of appetite, stomach pain and sweaty skin.
It is not as serious as heatstroke and can be remedied if the person suffering takes steps to cool down, like moving to a cooler room, taking a cold bath or shower, removing tight clothes and drinking more fluids, Patient.info advises.
But heatstroke occurs when your body can no longer cope with hot temperatures, stopping the function of the body's cooling mechanisms. It is a medical emergency and the NHS advises to call 999 if someone you know is exhibiting heatstroke symptoms.
Heatstroke warning signs to look out for
According to the NHS, you should call 999 if someone exhibits the signs of heatstroke, which include:
- still being unwell after 30 minutes of resting in a cool place, being cooled and drinking fluids
- a very high temperature
- hot skin that's not sweating and might look red (this can be harder to see on brown and black skin)
- a fast heartbeat
- fast breathing or shortness of breath
- confusion and lack of coordination
- a seizure or fit
- loss of consciousness
Put the person in the recovery position if they lose consciousness while you're waiting for help. This keeps their airway open and the NHS has published a step-by-step guide here on how to do it properly.
Preventing heat exhaustion and heatstroke
To help prevent heat exhaustion or heatstroke, the NHS advises to:
- drink more cold drinks, especially if you're active or exercising
- wear light-coloured, loose clothing
- avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm
- avoid excess alcohol
- avoid extreme exercise
- if you're inside on a very hot day, close curtains, close windows if it's hotter outside than in your home and turn off electrical equipment and lights that get hot. This will also prevent dehydration and help your body keep itself cool.
It's not just humans that need to worry about heatstroke. Dog owners have also been warned about heatstroke warning signs to watch out for in pooches during hot weather.
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