The 10 Key Things You Should Know About Heatstroke

As Britain bakes, Natasha holt finds out how to spot the signs and what to do to treat it

- Natasha Holt

WITH the UK experiencing record temperatures in recent days, sunstarved Brits have rushed to make the most of the hotter weather, but as the mercury rises so does the risk of heat exhaustion and deadly heatstroke. Here's what you need to know.

1. You can get heatstroke when it's not that hot

Heat exhaustion is caused by prolonged exposure to heat, triggering symptoms such as headaches, dizziness and nausea.

If untreated, this can quickly develop into heatstroke, which is where your core temperature reaches 40°C or above, which can be fatal.

Because of this, we tend to think of heatstroke as something that happens abroad in the blistering sun, but actually it can occur right here in the UK, with temperatures in the mid-20s.

"Heatstroke is associated with hot weather, but it doesn't have to be record temperatures," says Dr Naveen Puri, associate clinical director at Bupa Health Clinics.

"Sudden exposure to hot weather that you're not acclimatised to, for example, during a sudden heatwave or after travelling to a hot country, can make you more susceptible.

Dr Puri adds: "Exercising or playing sports in hot weather also increases the risk, even if temperatures aren't soaring. Remember, heat stroke should always be treated as a medical emergency."

2. Just because you're not sweating doesn't mean that you're not in danger

In fact, it's often the opposite that's true. "In heatstroke, your skin may often feel hot and dry, rather than sweaty," warns Dr Puri. "This is a danger sign as it means you're very dehydrated.