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Scottish Sun
11-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Doctors issue heat warning to people with common issue – high temperatures can make it even worse
WITH temperatures in the UK rising into the summer, health experts have issued a warning to people with a particular ailment. While the warm weather may be welcome after the cold winter months, it's essential to take steps 2 Health experts have issued a warning to people with a common ailment during the hot weather With many parts of the country experiencing high temperatures, peaking at 23C on Sunday and Monday, in the lead up to summer, it's important to prioritise your health in the sun. And with weather set to continue heating up into May and June, a medical expert warned that millions of patients will be left more vulnerable to migraines. While Brits tend to flock to the nearest parks and beer gardens to bask in the sunshine, many may be guilty of neglecting hydration. The risk of people with migraines suffering an attack is greatly heightened in these conditions. "People find that they get more migraines when it gets hot," Dr. Steve Allder, a neurologist, told the Daily Mail. Higher temperatures can cause blood vessels to constrict and expand. This fluctuation in blood flow to the brain can then contribute to migraines. Hotter weather also increases the risk of dehydration, which can make brain tissues shrink. They then pull away from your skull, putting pressure on nerves and increasing the risk of a migraine. Migraines affect an estimated 10 million people aged 15-69 in the UK — almost a quarter of the adult population. Urgent health alert as GP shares ways to combat illness with simple everyday task To reduce the chances of a heat-induced migraine, Dr. Deepali Misra-Sharp recommended staying in the shade, donning sunglasses, and maintaining hydration levels. She spoke to Surrey Live about the steps to take if you feel a migraine coming on in the sunshine. The expert suggested seeking out a cool quiet spot to take shade and recover. Dr. Allder also explained that those with multiple sclerosis (MS), a neurological condition that affects nerve function, may be affected by the high temperatures. He revealed these patients "will have far less resilience" to cope with temperature changes. How to keep cool in a heatwave Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it's too hot, there are health risks. Here are three ways to keep cool according to the NHS... Keep out of the heat if you can. If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter. Cool yourself down. Have cold food and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes. Keep your living space cool. Close windows during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down. Electric fans can help if the temperature is below 35 degrees. Check the temperature of rooms, especially where people at higher risk live and sleep. The medical expert added that MS symptoms can temporarily worsen in heat as an increased body temperature causes signals to slow down in already damaged nerves. This causes issues such as fatigue, vision problems, or weakness but these symptoms typically improve when the body cools down. Dr Mark Cox, who works in A&E, spoke to Metro about why the hot temperatures can make us feel more cranky. "Heat can amplify reactivity in the brain's emotion centre, the amygdala, and reduce the calming influence of the parasympathetic nervous system," he explained. "That makes people more prone to irritability, impulsiveness and even aggression."
The Irish Sun
11-05-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Doctors issue heat warning to people with common issue – high temperatures can make it even worse
WITH temperatures in the UK rising into the summer, health experts have issued a warning to people with a particular ailment. While the warm weather may be welcome after the cold winter months, it's essential to take steps Advertisement 2 Health experts have issued a warning to people with a common ailment during the hot weather With many parts of the country experiencing high temperatures, peaking at 23C on Sunday and Monday, in the lead up to summer, it's important to prioritise your health in the sun. And with weather set to continue heating up into May and June, a medical expert warned that millions of patients will be left more vulnerable to migraines. While Brits tend to flock to the nearest parks and beer gardens to bask in the sunshine, many may be guilty of neglecting hydration. The risk of people with migraines suffering an attack is greatly heightened in these conditions. Advertisement "People find that they get more migraines when it gets hot," Dr. Steve Allder, a neurologist, told the Higher temperatures can cause blood vessels to constrict and expand. This fluctuation in blood flow to the brain can then contribute to migraines. Hotter weather also increases the risk of dehydration, which can make brain tissues shrink. Advertisement Most read in Health Exclusive Tested They then pull away from your skull, putting pressure on nerves and increasing the risk of a migraine. Migraines affect an estimated 10 million people aged 15-69 in the UK — almost a quarter of the adult population. Urgent health alert as GP shares ways to combat illness with simple everyday task To reduce the chances of a heat-induced migraine, Dr. Deepali Misra-Sharp recommended staying in the shade, donning sunglasses, and maintaining hydration levels. She spoke to Advertisement The expert suggested seeking out a cool quiet spot to take shade and recover. Dr. Allder also explained that those with multiple sclerosis (MS), a neurological condition that affects nerve function, may be affected by the high temperatures. He revealed these patients "will have far less resilience" to cope with temperature changes. How to keep cool in a heatwave Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it's too hot, there are health risks. Here are three ways to keep cool according to the NHS... Keep out of the heat if you can. If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter. Cool yourself down. Have cold food and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes. Keep your living space cool. Close windows during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down. Electric fans can help if the temperature is below 35 degrees. Check the temperature of rooms, especially where people at higher risk live and sleep. The medical expert added that MS symptoms can temporarily worsen in heat as an increased body temperature causes signals to slow down in already damaged nerves. Advertisement This causes issues such as fatigue, vision problems, or weakness but these symptoms typically improve when the body cools down. Dr Mark Cox, who works in A&E, spoke to Read more on the Irish Sun "Heat can amplify reactivity in the brain's emotion centre, the amygdala, and reduce the calming influence of the parasympathetic nervous system," he explained. "That makes people more prone to irritability, impulsiveness and even aggression." Advertisement 2 According to experts, migraine symptoms can be worsened by hotter temperatures (stock image) Credit: Getty
Daily Mail
01-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Doctor issues heat warning to millions with common ailment: 'People suffer more when it gets hot'
This week's heatwave could leave millions of patients more vulnerable to migraines, a medic warns. Thousands have flocked to parks and beer gardens to bask in the UK's sweltering heat, with some parts of the country set to reach 29C (84f). But as the mercury rises so does the risk of people with migraines suffering an attack. Dr Steve Allder, a neurologist, said 'People find that they get more migraines when it gets hot.' High temperatures can cause blood vessels to constrict and expand and this fluctuation in blood flow to the brain can contribute to the agonising headaches. Additionally, hotter weather increases the risk of dehydration, which can make your brain tissues shrink and pull away from your skull, putting pressure on nerves and increasing the risk of a migraine. In the UK, migraines affect an estimated 10million people aged 15-69 — almost a quarter of the adult population. GP Dr Deepali Misra-Sharp advised staying in the shade, donning sunglasses, maintaining hydration levels, to help reduce the chances of a heat-induced migraine. She suggested that if you feel a headache or migraine brewing, it's best to seek out a cool, quiet spot, according to Surrey Live. Dr Allder also added that those with multiple sclerosis (MS), a neurological condition that affects nerve function, 'will have far less resilience' to cope with temperature changes. He said MS symptoms can temporarily worsen in heat as increased body temperature causes signals to slow down in already damaged nerves. This leads to issues like fatigue, vision problems, or weakness but typically improves once the body cools down. And if you've ever wondered why you're more likely to get cranky in the blazing heat, it all comes down to how hard our body works to regulate our body temperature. A&E doctor, Dr Mark Cox explained: 'Heat can amplify reactivity in the brain's emotion centre, the amygdala, and reduce the calming influence of the parasympathetic nervous system. 'That makes people more prone to irritability, impulsiveness and even aggression,' A&E doctor, he told Metro. Hot weather can also pose a risk for people taking antidepressants. Dr Sameer Sanghvi, GP at Lloyds Pharmacy Online warned: 'Common antidepressants can all stop the temperature-regulating area of the brain from functioning as it should. 'Serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are some of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants.' One in six people in England are on antidepressants, official NHS data suggests. Today marks the UK's hottest day of 2025 so far for the fourth consecutive day, after highs of 26.7C (80.1F), 24.9C (76.8F) and 24.5C (76.1F) for the past three days. The warm weather continues tomorrow with 26C (79F) highs before temperatures drop this weekend with 19C (66F) on Saturday and 16C (61F) on Sunday. Bank Holiday Monday will also be significantly cooler with highs of just 14C (57F) before next Tuesday and Wednesday get up to only 15C (59F) or 16C (61F).
Metro
01-05-2025
- Health
- Metro
Slower than usual? The warm weather is affecting your brain
Feeling sluggish? You're not alone. The UK has been basking in high temperatures, with some parts of the country set to reach 29C. But, as we all flock to beer gardens to enjoy the mini heatwave, our brains could be struggling to cope. It all comes down to our own body temperature, and how hard the brain works to regulate it. 'The temperature that the body needs to stay within is an unbelievably narrow window,' consultant neurologist, Dr Steve Allder, tells Metro. 'If your temperature rises from 37C to 41C there's a very good chance that it would kill you. Similarly, if it dropped from 37C to 33C, you would really start to struggle. 'The body really has to work hard to keep our temperature in a tight range, especially in hot weather, and that then takes energy away from the brain.' A&E doctor, Dr Mark Cox tells Metro: 'When you're hot, your body is in a constant state of thermoregulation (keeping your temperature stable). 'This burns energy and diverts blood flow toward the skin to release heat, which means less energy and oxygen get to your brain.' So, now we know the science – what does that mean for how you feel? 'You'll notice it in things like memory lapses, poor concentration and slower decision-making,' Dr Mark says. And while we all might find ourselves getting a bit, well, aggy, in hot weather, Dr Mark says that's to do with your brain too. Dr Sameer Sanghvi, GP at Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor, warns that hot weather can be particularly dangerous for people taking antidepressants. He explains: 'Common antidepressants can all stop the temperature-regulating area of the brain from functioning as it should. Serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors(SNRIS) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIS) are some of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants.' If you are prescribed these antidepressants, Dr Sanghvi warns not to suddenly stop taking them. 'You should always consult your doctor before making changes to your mental health medication,' he adds. 'The best thing you can do is take precautions to stay cool: stick to the shade; drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol.' 'Heat can amplify reactivity in the brain's emotion centre, the amygdala, and reduce the calming influence of the parasympathetic nervous system,' says Dr Mark, co-founder of Orli Health. More Trending 'That makes people more prone to irritability, impulsiveness and even aggression.' For those with existing neurological conditions, warm weather can cause these symptoms to worsen. Dr Steve, who works at Re: Cognition, says that those with multiple sclerosis, for example, 'will have far less resilience' to cope with temperature changes. He adds: 'This is also true for something like migraines. People find that they get more migraines when it gets hot.' If your body can't cool itself down, you risk developing heat exhaustion, which could progress to heat stroke if left untreated, a life-threatening condition. Dr Allder says that those doing prolonged exercise in the sun should be careful of developing heat stroke, especially if they're not taking in enough fluids. He adds: 'Make sure to stop if you feel lightheaded or woozy.' To protect yourself from the temperature changes, Dr Allder advises avoiding the sun, hydrating and resting. Most adults should aim to drink at least six to eight glasses a day (around 1.5-2 litres), but Dr Allder advises getting an extra 500ml to 1 litre per day. According to the NHS, the signs of heat exhaustion include: Weakness Tiredness Dizziness Headache Feeling sick or being sick Excessive sweating and skin becoming pale and clammy, or getting a rash Cramps in the arms, legs and stomach Fast breathing or heartbeat A high temperature Being very thirsty If someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion, they need to be cooled won and given fluids, the NHS website says. Heat exhaustion does not usually need medical help if you can cool down within 30 minutes. However, if it turns into heatstroke, it needs to be treated as an emergency. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ View More » MORE: Exact date 'mini-heatwave' will hit UK with temperatures as high as 27°C MORE: London Marathon 2025 forecast: What will the weather be like for the big race? MORE: Bulldog Skincare launches new Anytime Daily UV Moisturiser SPF 50 – and it's perfectly timed for summer
