Temperatures across the UK are soaring and although we may not be be seeing highs of 30C yet unlike some areas in England, we're still getting seeing highs of 20C and on Monday (July 18) we could see highs of 29C.
Over the past few nights, it's been pretty hard to sleep with many people tossing and turning to try and find a cool spot in the bed.
And because the warm weather is something that is rare here in Scotland, people will be wanting to take advantage of this. But experts have warned people need to be careful.
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Many of us throughout our lives will experience swollen joins or a loss of appetite however this could actually be an indication that you need to take things seriously. And you may need to seek help from your GP if this is the case.
Dr Angela Rai, GP at The London General Practice, has said listed signs of heat exhaustion urging people to see a GP if you are worried or call 999 in serious circumstances.
She said: "Signs of heat exhaustion include dizziness, headaches, excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin, cramps in your arms and legs, fast breathing or pulse, breathlessness and feeling very thirsty. However, these symptoms can also indicate other health conditions."
So at what point should you be concerned that symptoms you feel in the heat might point something more worrying?
Feeling thirsty
It’s important to stay hydrated during a heatwave, particularly as you might be losing more fluids than normal due to sweat. But what if your thirst feels like it just can’t be quenched?
This could be “a sign of high sugar or diabetes” according to Dr Rai. Because of this, you may want to see a doctor.
Clammy skin
Feeling sweaty is part and parcel of extreme temperatures. However, if your normal sweating is coupled with pale and clammy skin, Rai says this can be associated with heart conditions, especially if there is also chest pain.
She explained: "If there is chest pain and sweating, this could be angina or even signs of a heart attack, and urgent medical attention is required."
Loss of appetite
Dr Bryony Henderson, lead GP at digital healthcare provider, Livi has said: "In hot weather, you may notice a decrease in your appetite. This is because our bodies are trying to regulate our body temperature by cutting down on heat-generating functions like the digestion of food. However, if you have been experiencing a persistent loss of appetite that doesn’t seem to be related to a simple explanation, such as the hot weather, consult with your GP."
Fingers swelling
If you regularly wear rings, you’ll be well acquainted with the feeling of panic when you realise your fingers have swollen up in the heat, making it difficult to slide them off. And it’s not just your fingers – your shoes might feel tighter, too.
According to Henderson: “This is because the blood vessels in our bodies expand to send more blood to the skin to cool down the body”. There’s a simple fix for it though – “Running your hands under a cool tap can help to reduce swelling, and remember to keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water,” she says.
But while fingers and feet typically do swell in the heat, Rai adds: “It can also be linked to autoimmune and rheumatological conditions.”
Breathlessness
Breathlessness could be a sign of heat exhaustion – along with dizziness, headaches, cramps and nausea. Henderson explains: “It’s important to take action to cool your body down quickly and avoid heatstroke. Move to a shady area or cool room as soon as possible, then lie down and raise your feet slightly.
“Make sure to drink plenty of water or a sports drink. Cool your skin by spraying it with tepid water or switching on a fan, and, if you can, try placing ice packs on your groin, armpits or neck. If you’re still feeling unwell 30 minutes after cooling down, call emergency services.”
If breathlessness persists – or you suspect it’s not due to the heat – Rai says it can also be a sign of heart or lung conditions. She recommends watching out for signs of wheezing, as this could potentially signal “an underlying lung condition”.
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