Hot weather warning as painful symptom in the arm could require 999 call
Brits are being urged to stay alert for an unusual arm symptom that could signal a serious health emergency amidst the current heatwave. With the UK weathering another week of high temperatures, it's vital to recognise heat stroke symptoms.
The Met Office has revealed that England just experienced its warmest June ever with an average temperature of 16.9C, while Wales recorded its third warmest June since records started in 1884. Certain areas have recently felt the mercury rise to a blistering 34C.
In light of these sweltering conditions, awareness of the risks posed by extreme heat is critical. The NHS cautions that heat exhaustion can quickly progress to heatstroke without timely intervention.
The health service advises: "Heat exhaustion does not usually need emergency medical help if you can cool down within 30 minutes," but warns, "If it turns into heatstroke, it needs to be treated as an emergency."
A less obvious sign of heat exhaustion to watch out for is cramping in the arms and legs, with abdominal cramps also possible. Experts at the Cleveland Clinic in the US warn that such cramps can develop when the body overheats.
They explain: "Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms that happen when your body gets too hot." These spasms are seen as a mild form of heat-related illness and an early indicator of heat exhaustion.
The experts warned: "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 indicators of heat exhaustion can 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."
How to act 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.
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