Latest news with #DanBaumgardt
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Holidaymakers urged to never ignore three symptoms 'after they return'
Pharmacologist Dan Baumgardt, Senior Lecturer in Pharmacology at the University of Bristol, warned travellers they risk importing dangerous conditions from abroad A health expert has delivered a chilling alert that tourists returning from abroad must never overlook three key warning signs that could signal serious disease. Pharmacologist Dan Baumgardt emphasised that jet-setters face the danger of bringing back hazardous illnesses - and should never simply brush off the red flags. The senior academic from the School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience at the University of Bristol highlighted three critical symptoms demanding immediate medical care - fever, stomach upset and yellowing of the skin. Penning his advice on the Conversation website, he declared: "International travel poses a risk of catching something more than a run-of-the-mill bug, so it's important to be vigilant for the tell-tale symptoms. "Here are the main ones to look out for while away and when you return." Fever Mr Baumgardt explained: "Fever is a common symptom to note after international travel – especially to tropical or subtropical regions. While a feature of many different illnesses, it can be the first sign of an infection – sometimes a serious one." He warned it might indicate Malaria which is a deadly condition triggered by parasites transmitted to people via bites from contaminated female Anopheles mosquitoes. The disease poses a major worldwide health threat, affecting over 200 million individuals and causing hundreds of thousands of fatalities each year, reports the Daily Record. Malaria remains especially widespread across tropical and subtropical areas globally. Early symptoms of the disease can mimic those of the flu, including headaches and muscle aches, but these can escalate to severe fever, sweating and shaking chills. Other signs to look out for include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), swollen lymph nodes, rashes and abdominal pain – although these symptoms can vary greatly and can resemble many other conditions. Mr Baumgardt warned: "Prompt medical attention is essential. Malaria is serious and can become life-threatening. It's also worth noting that symptoms may not appear until weeks or even months after returning home. In the UK, there are around 2,000 imported malaria cases each year. "Travellers to at-risk areas are strongly advised to take preventative measures. This includes mosquito-bite avoidance as well as prescribed antimalarial medications, such as Malarone and doxycycline. Although these drugs aren't 100% effective, they significantly reduce the risk of infection." There has also been an increase in Dengue fever, another disease transmitted by mosquitoes. Symptoms include high temperatures, severe headaches, body aches and rashes, which overlap with both malaria and other common viral infections. Mr Baumgardt warned: "Most people recover with rest, fluids and paracetamol, but in some instances, dengue can become severe and requires emergency hospital treatment. A vaccine is also available – but is only recommended for people who have had dengue before, as it provides good protection in this group. "Any fever after international travel should be taken seriously. Don't brush it off as something you've just picked up on the plane – please see a doctor. A simple test could lead to early diagnosis and might save your life." Upset stomachs Speaking about dodgy tummies, Mr Baumgardt revealed: "Few travel-related issues are as common – or as unwelcome – as diarrhoea. It's estimated that up to six in ten travellers will experience at least one episode during or shortly after their trip. For some, it's an unpleasant disruption mid-holiday; for others, symptoms emerge once they're back home. "Traveller's diarrhoea is typically caused by eating food or drinking water containing certain microbes (bacteria, viruses, parasites) or their toxins. Identifying the more serious culprits early is essential – especially when symptoms go beyond mild discomfort." He went on to stress that people should watch out for particular red flags - including large volumes of watery diarrhoea, blood present in stools or urgent toilet trips. He continued: "These may suggest a more serious infection, such as giardia, cholera or amoebic dysentery. These conditions are more common in regions with poor sanitation and are especially prevalent in parts of the tropics." In certain instances, antibiotics and antiparasitic treatment may be required. Jaundice This ailment, which causes your skin or the whites of your eyes to turn yellow, can signal something severe like liver disease, so urgent medical attention is needed, according to NHS guidelines. Whilst many people come back from holidays with a tan, it could also be an indication of jaundice. Mr Baumgardt explained: "Several travel-related illnesses can cause jaundice. Malaria is one culprit as is the mosquito-borne yellow fever. But another common cause is hepatitis – inflammation of the liver. "Viral hepatitis comes in several forms. Hepatitis A and E are spread via contaminated food or water – common in areas with poor sanitation. In contrast, hepatitis B and C are blood-borne, transmitted through intravenous drug use, contaminated medical equipment or unprotected sex."
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Expert warns anyone going on holiday to watch for 3 symptoms 'after they return'
A medical expert has issued a stark warning that people shouldn't ignore some common issues A medical expert has issued a stark warning that holiday-makers returning from overseas must never ignore three crucial symptoms that could indicate severe illness. Pharmacologist Dan Baumgardt stressed that travellers risk importing dangerous conditions - and should never simply dismiss the warning signs. The senior lecturer from the School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience at the University of Bristol pinpointed three vital symptoms requiring urgent attention - fever, gastric disturbance and jaundice. Writing on the Conversation website, he stated: "International travel poses a risk of catching something more than a run-of-the-mill bug, so it's important to be vigilant for the telltale symptoms. Here are the main ones to look out for while away and when you return." Fever Mr Baumgardt cautioned: "Fever is a common symptom to note after international travel – especially to tropical or subtropical regions. While a feature of many different illnesses, it can be the first sign of an infection – sometimes a serious one." He outlined it could signal Malaria which is a lethal disease caused by parasites passed to humans through bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. The illness represents a significant global health menace, impacting more than 200 million people and resulting in hundreds of thousands of deaths annually. Malaria continues to be particularly prevalent throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Initial signs of the illness include flu-like symptoms, such as headaches and muscle aches, which can progress to severe fever, sweating and shaking chills. Additional indicators may include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), swollen lymph nodes, rashes and abdominal pain – though symptoms can differ significantly and can mirror numerous other conditions. Mr Baumgardt said: "Prompt medical attention is essential. Malaria is serious and can become life threatening. It's also worth noting that symptoms may not appear until weeks or even months after returning home. In the UK, there are around 2,000 imported malaria cases each year. "Travellers to at-risk areas are strongly advised to take preventative measures. This includes mosquito-bite avoidance as well as prescribed antimalarial medications, such as Malarone and doxycycline. Although these drugs aren't 100% effective, they significantly reduce the risk of infection." There has also been a rise in Dengue fever, which is likewise transmitted by mosquitos. Signs include high temperatures, severe headaches, body aches and rashes, which coincide with both malaria and other typical viral infections. Mr Baumgardt cautioned: "Most people recover with rest, fluids and paracetamol, but in some instances, dengue can become severe and requires emergency hospital treatment. A vaccine is also available – but is only recommended for people who have had dengue before, as it provides good protection in this group. Any fever after international travel should be taken seriously. Don't brush it off as something you've just picked up on the plane – please see a doctor. A simple test could lead to early diagnosis and might save your life." Upset stomachs Discussing upset stomachs, Mr Baumgardt stated: "Few travel-related issues are as common – or as unwelcome – as diarrhoea. It's estimated that up to six in ten travellers will experience at least one episode during or shortly after their trip. For some, it's an unpleasant disruption mid-holiday; for others, symptoms emerge once they're back home. "Traveller's diarrhoea is typically caused by eating food or drinking water containing certain microbes (bacteria, viruses, parasites) or their toxins. Identifying the more serious culprits early is essential – especially when symptoms go beyond mild discomfort." He further explained that individuals should be vigilant for certain warning signs - including substantial amounts of watery diarrhoea, blood visible in stools or sudden bowel movements. He went on to say: "These may suggest a more serious infection, such as giardia, cholera or amoebic dysentery. These conditions are more common in regions with poor sanitation and are especially prevalent in parts of the tropics." In some cases, antibiotics and antiparasitic treatment may be necessary. Jaundice This condition, which turns your skin or the whites of your eyes yellow, can indicate something severe like liver disease, so immediate medical attention is required, according to NHS guidelines. While many people return from holidays with a tan, it could also be a sign of jaundice. Mr Baumgardt elaborated: "Several travel-related illnesses can cause jaundice. Malaria is one culprit as is the mosquito-borne yellow fever. But another common cause is hepatitis – inflammation of the liver. "Viral hepatitis comes in several forms. Hepatitis A and E are spread via contaminated food or water – common in areas with poor sanitation. In contrast, hepatitis B and C are blood-borne, transmitted through intravenous drug use, contaminated medical equipment or unprotected sex."
RTÉ News
30-06-2025
- Health
- RTÉ News
Love summer, hate winter? Why your mood changes so much with the seasons
Analysis: While there are many complex reasons why the weather has such an affect on our mood and wellbeing, the key answer lies in our brain By Dan Baumgardt, University of Bristol Summer is the best-loved season for many of us. It's easy to see why, with the warmer, sunnier weather it brings. But the temperature isn't the only reason people prefer midsummer to the dark days of winter. Many also report their mood is better during the warmer months. But why is it that our mood changes so much through the seasons? While there are many complex reasons why the weather can have such a significant affect on our mood and wellbeing, the key answer lies in our brain – and the way almost all of our body's systems are hardwired to respond to what's going on around us. Your body's core temperature is set at 37°C. Temperature is regulated by an area of the brain known as the hypothalamus. This nerve centre receives information about temperature from all over the body and initiates actions to either cool down or warm up accordingly. From RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland, clinical psychologist Dr. Malie Coyne on how good weather can impact our mood The outside temperature can also affect our biological clock – otherwise known as our circadian rhythms. These govern, among other functions, our sleep-wake cycles. Our circadian rhythms are also regulated by the hypothalamus – more specifically, a part of it called the suprachiasmatic nucleus. The fact that both temperature control and sleep-wake cycles are governed from within the same region of the brain suggests they are inextricably connected. This connection can also partly help to explain why our moods can shift so much from winter to summer. It's the interaction between these nervous pathways that are believed to impact mood through their effect on sleep, mood-influencing neurotransmitters, and more. From RTÉ Radio 1's Drivetime, how much does the weather affect our mood? For instance, in winter, many people find their mood takes a dip – especially during the long, dark days of midwinter. Some people even develop seasonal affective disorder (Sad), a condition associated with depressive episodes that fluctuate with the comings-and-goings of the different seasons – though it's typically more common in the winter because of the darker days and cold temperatures. Sad can also cause sleep disturbances, lethargy and appetite changes – particularly cravings for carbohydrates. As the summer months arrive, people with winter Sad usually find their symptoms significantly improve. There's some evidence that Sad is linked to secretion of a hormone called melatonin – a hormone that's also linked to our circadian rhythms. Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland, which shares nervous connections with the hypothalamus and acts to control timing and quality of sleep. Melatonin levels typically remain relatively low during the day – but levels start to creep up in the evening, reaching their highest levels in the middle of the night. But the lower levels of daylight in the winter can cause dysfunction with melatonin levels, typically increasing it's secretion. This probably explains why people feel sleepier and more fatigued in winter – and which may in turn trigger depression. But it's not just melatonin that's linked to Sad. Other neurotransmitters which act as mood boosters (such as serotonin) appear to be affected by dark and cold days too. There also seems to be a link with geographical location – with evidence showing the condition is more common in regions furthest from the equator, where there are extremes of daylight and temperature. Summertime sadness When summer finally makes an appearance, the effect of sunshine and heat upon the energy-boosting neurotransmitters (such as serotonin) makes a notable difference to mood. This may be partly due to increased amounts of vitamin D – which is made in the skin, and requires sunlight exposure to reach higher levels. Vitamin D has been proven to positively affect serotonin levels. But not everyone finds themselves pleased by summer's hotter temperatures and longer days. Some may find they feel more miserable this season. There's another variation of Sad, albeit rarer (affecting less than 10% of Sad patients) that actually gets worse in summer. In a world where climate change is a definite reality, we need to better understand how a warming world is going to affect our wellbeing It's less clear why some people get Sad in the summertime – and is probably due to a range of factors. It may be due to the heat and humidity or even feelings of self-consciousness. It could possibly even be due to sleep disruptions – since the longer days might disrupt our circadian rhythm. Certain health conditions may also influence how we cope with the warmer temperatures. Take the menopause, where symptoms such as hot flushes may be exacerbated by the warmer weather. Those dealing with these symptoms may find it becomes even more difficult during heat waves – and this may take a toll on their mental wellbeing. Some research does show that rising temperatures can be a precipitant for acute mental illness. One study examined a population of patients with bipolar disorder and found there was a significant peak in the number of hospital admissions in the summer months compared to patients with other psychiatric disorders. Their statistical analysis demonstrated that higher temperatures and solar radiation levels were the most significant determinants of acute episodes. Another study has also suggested a link between increased temperatures and risk of suicidal behaviour. The body's natural responses to heat also feeds into the biological stress response. The mechanisms by which the body cools down, such as sweating and promoting blood flow to the skin, can cause dehydration and skin flushing. This may make people feel of frustrated and irritable, have trouble concentrating and may even impact the quality of sleep. The interplay between temperature, sunlight, the body's circadian clock and mood is a complex and intriguing conundrum – and one which is as unique as each person. While some of us are hard-wired to be sunchasers, others eagerly look forward to the dark days of winter. But in a world where climate change is a definite reality, we need to better understand how a warming world is going to affect our wellbeing.
Times
24-06-2025
- Health
- Times
Are you allergic to summer?
You know how it is — you wait all year for some decent weather and then two heatwaves come along in quick succession. Worse, when the sun is out in full force you remember that it's not always as pleasurable as you'd imagined it would be. 'We see a lot of rashes, reactions and heat-related illness at this time of year,' says Dr Dan Baumgardt, a GP and senior lecturer in the school of physiology, pharmacology and neuroscience at the University of Bristol. 'Some of these are related to seasonal temperature changes and some are due to changes in exposure to products, fabrics and chemicals that are more common in the warmer months.' The impact of hot weather can prove fatal, and the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) recently warned people to keep tabs on the colour-coded warnings it jointly issues with the Met Office. For the coming weekend, these have tilted back into red for the southeast of the country, with temperatures expected to surpass 30C. And while red and amber alerts signify the greatest heat risk, yellow weather warnings, the lowest alert threshold, can also be significant. According to the UKHSA many of the 1,311 heat-associated deaths last summer occurred during yellow heat health alert periods and more deaths occurred during heat episodes early in the summer season. But what else do we need to be aware of during the summer months? Here our experts give advice on some of the common — and more unlikely — seasonal ailments. The result of getting so hot that the brain's thermostat fails, this leads to dangerous overheating. It is an emergency and requires urgent medical intervention. 'People don't take the risks of heatstroke seriously enough yet it can have potentially very serious outcomes,' Baumgardt says. Symptoms According to the NHS, symptoms of heat exhaustion include having hot, flushed and dry skin, a headache, nausea, dizziness and confusion. A body temperature over 40C, a change in skin colour, changes in heart or breathing rate, being very thirsty and displaying rapidly worsening responsiveness are clear warning signs. How to treat and avoid it 'It is important to stay hydrated and to avoid excessive alcohol intakes,' Baumgardt says. 'Simple steps such as wearing appropriate clothing and avoiding exercise or hours in the garden at the hottest times of the day are also important.' If someone is displaying signs of heat exhaustion and can be cooled down within 30 minutes — by removing clothing, rehydration with a sports drink or cool water and cooling their skin with cold packs — the NHS says they may not require medical attention. 'But if they don't improve after cooling attempts, call 999 as soon as possible,' Baumgardt says. 'People can develop seizures and risk death if they are not treated immediately.' Rashes and stings are a common hazard but gardeners, hikers and fruit pickers are at risk of more serious skin reactions that occur as a result of phytophotodermatitis, sometimes called 'margarita burn'. Dr Zainab Laftah, a consultant dermatologist at HCA The Shard Hospital in London, says this occurs when skin comes into contact with light-sensitising botanical agents called furanocoumarins that are present in some plants and sap, which then interact with ultraviolet A (UVA) light. Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is a prime example but other plants can cause similar reactions. 'Handling citrus fruits, celery, parsley, figs and wild parsnip can trigger this in some people,' Laftah says. Wild carrot (Daucus carota) and common hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium) can also be problematic. • My hack for a family hiking holiday? Take the ski lifts in the Swiss Alps Symptoms 'Affected areas become acutely red and nasty blisters or linear streaks appear within 1-2 days of exposure,' Baumgardt says. 'It can take several weeks for the area to heal and might leave permanent pigmentation damage.' How to avoid and treat them 'Wearing gloves and protective clothing while gardening, washing skin thoroughly after plant contact, and avoiding sun exposure immediately after handling potentially reactive plants will help reduce the risk,' Laftah says. Applying sunscreen can help to reduce the light exposure, which might lessen the severity of a reaction. Take care when strimming hedgerows and borders as you can inadvertently come into contact with plant sap. Applying a cold compress to the affected area is recommended. 'You may need topical anaesthetics to avoid infection, so speak to a GP or pharmacist,' Baumgardt says. 'There are a lot of nasty things lurking in rivers, lakes and ponds,' Baumgardt says. 'We get an upswing in ear infections and rashes when people swim outdoors at this time of year.' One specific parasite you might encounter is the larvae of avian schistosome cercariae, which often take up residence in water snails. 'These parasites can burrow into your skin and cause swimmer's itch, or cercarial dermatitis, a nasty allergic reaction to the parasite,' Bamugardt says. Several recreational lakes in the UK have had to close in recent years due to the presence of the parasite and researchers from Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and Budapest Semmelweis University, reporting in Parasites and Vectors journal, warned that with the increase in popularity of outdoor swimming, the prevalence of swimmer's itch is probably under-reported in the UK. • Help, I've got swimmer's itch! Symptoms An itchy rash and skin redness appears within 24 hours. Nasty red bumps then begin to erupt and that can last for several days. How to treat and avoid it 'Be aware that exposed flesh when swimming in open water does carry risks, so cover up as much as possible and always wear a wetsuit,' Baumgardt says. 'With swimmer's itch, infected skin usually heals in a week without serious complications, although if secondary bacterial infection occurs you will need antibiotics, so see a GP.' A fragrance-free emollient (moisturiser) or anti-itch cream can be helpful when itching is at its worst. Removing the protective layer of socks means that feet come into direct contact with a range of unfamiliar materials and fabrics in footwear, which can cause reactions that result in bumps and rashes. Among the most common footwear allergens, according to researchers at George Washington University, are dyes, leather, rubber, metals and adhesives in shoes. Heat, friction and sweat, along with foot deodorants and sprays, can also increase the risk of contact dermatitis on the feet and between the toes in some people. 'Allergens can trigger allergic shoe contact dermatitis, especially when heat and moisture break down the skin barrier,' Laftah says. 'Wearing well-ventilated shoes made of natural material, avoiding prolonged use of plastic or rubber-based shoes, and using moisture-absorbing socks is recommended.' Symptoms Exposure can cause chronic or acute swelling, blisters or cracks in the skin, a burning sensation, itchiness or pain. How to treat and avoid it 'Contact dermatitis clears up if you remove the materials or substances causing the problem,' Baumgardt says. 'Emollients or moisturisers from a pharmacy might help to ease the condition while the rash is present.' If the symptoms persist and you cannot detect the cause, see a podiatrist or GP for a prescription of topical corticosteroid cream. 'Patch testing can also help identify specific allergens and provide guidance on appropriate shoe wear,' Laftah says. Sunscreen reactions are mostly a reaction to specific chemical ingredients in a product. 'Among the most common irritants are chemical UV filters such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octocrylene and PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid),' Laftah says. 'These reactions can present as allergic contact dermatitis or photoallergic dermatitis, where UV light activates an allergic response to a compound in the sunscreen.' • Our kids got into a pickle with suncream. So we invented a solution Symptoms Irritant contact dermatitis is more common in people with underlying skin conditions such as eczema. It causes redness and a mild stinging sensation at the site of application. It can sometimes take 24 hours to appear. An itchy, blistering rash where you apply the sunscreen could indicate an allergy to one of the chemicals in the product. Photoallergic dermatitis usually appears on the face, arms, back of hands, chest and lower neck, and may resemble eczema or sunburn. How to treat and avoid it 'Switching to mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are less likely to cause irritation or reactions, is a good idea,' Laftah says. 'Avoid fragrances and preservatives in sunscreens which may also contribute to these reactions.' Reactions can be more severe if sunscreen is used with some medications or other topical creams and lotions, so check what you are using. Margaret Kelman, head of clinical services for Allergy UK, says that some people develop rashes on exposure to sand at the beach. 'It can be down to the fact that sand is drying and abrasive or a combo of sand and seawater and a reaction to sunlight,' she says. General debris and insects in the sand can also cause problems. 'Abroad there are parasites and creatures such as sand flies can lead to bites and rashes,' Baumgardt says. Symptoms Skin can become inflamed, sore and itchy. How to treat and avoid it 'Apply moisturiser as well as SPF to provide an extra barrier and wash or shower as soon as you get back home,' Kelman says. 'Sit on a beach towel and wear longer or more protective beach clothes.' If skin flares up, over-the-counter topical steroids might be needed. Chlorine is added to pools as a disinfectant to keep them clean and safe for swimming. In itself, chlorine is not an allergen but it can have a drying effect on the skin, potentially exacerbating dermatitis and eczema. 'Chlorine can also irritate the lungs in people with asthma,' Kelman says. 'Eyes can be irritated by the chemicals.' • 24 of the best baby and child-friendly hotels in the UK Symptoms Itchy red skin or hives (itchy bumps), difficulty breathing and sore, red eyes are all signs of chlorine irritation. How to treat and avoid it 'If your skin is affected, put on moisturiser in addition to sunscreen before getting in the pool, shower as soon as you get out and then reapply,' Kelman says. 'Wear goggles to protect your eyes from the chlorine and use your inhaler when needed if you have asthma and are spending more time in or near swimming pools.' Pollen-induced hay fever affects as many as 13 million people in the UK — the majority of whom are allergic to grass pollens in the summer months. Symptoms Sneezing, coughing, a runny or blocked nose, as well as red, itchy or watery eyes. How to treat/avoid it 'Speak to a GP, who will help to create a treatment plan,' Kelman says. Options include antihistamines such as fexofenadine, nasal steroid sprays such as Nasonex (both available on prescription) and sodium cromoglicate eye drops (such as Opticrom). Nasal saline washes such as the NeilMed Sinus Rinse Kit (£21.99, are also worth trying. 'They can be useful to help rinse allergens that may be present in the nasal passages,' Kelman says. Government weather health alerts: Allergy UK:
