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
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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.
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.
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."
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