The lesser known symptom occurs when the body overheats
Brits are advised to be vigilant for an unusual symptom in the arms that might indicate a serious health crisis during this current spell of hot weather. As the UK endures another week of soaring temperatures, recognising the signs of heat stroke is crucial.
The Met Office reported that England has just had its hottest June on record with an average temperature of 16.9C, while Wales has seen its third hottest June since records began in 1884. Some regions have recently experienced scorching highs reaching 34C.
Given these conditions, it’s essential to be aware of the potential dangers associated with intense heat. The NHS warns that without prompt action, heat exhaustion can escalate into heatstroke.
“Heat exhaustion does not usually need emergency medical help if you can cool down within 30 minutes,” according to the health service. “If it turns into heatstroke, it needs to be treated as an emergency.”
A lesser-known indicator of heat exhaustion is cramping in the arms and legs, and abdominal cramps may also occur. Specialists at the Cleveland Clinic in the US caution that such cramps can arise when the body becomes excessively hot.
They note: “Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms that happen when your body gets too hot.” These spasms are considered a mild type of heat-related illness and a warning sign of heat exhaustion.
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The experts added: “When you sweat a lot, your body loses salt and nutrients (electrolytes) in the sweat. Drinking large amounts of water quickly helps hydrate you, but it also dilutes the nutrients in your body. That can cause your muscles to tighten and cramp.”
Other symptoms of heat exhaustion to look out for 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
- Fast breathing or heartbeat
- A high temperature
- Being very thirsty
- Weakness
The NHS has stated: “The symptoms of heat exhaustion are often the same in adults and children, although children may become irritable too.”
What to do if someone has heat exhaustion
In the event that someone exhibits signs of heat exhaustion, it’s crucial to cool them down and ensure they’re hydrated. The NHS advises taking these four steps:
- Move them to a cool place
- Remove all unnecessary clothing like a jacket or socks
- Get them to drink a sports or rehydration drink, or cool water
- Cool their skin – spray or sponge them with cool water and fan them. Cold packs, wrapped in a cloth and put under the armpits or on the neck are good too
It’s important to remain with the person until they recover, which should happen within 30 minutes. The NHS further instructs that if you or someone else shows signs of heatstroke, you should call 999 or head to A&E.
These are:
- Still feeling 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
If the patient loses consciousness while you’re awaiting assistance, it’s advised to place them in the recovery position.