Enjoy the sun and heat for the weekend’s Southport Air Show – but not to exhaustion

Forecasts are for the high temperatures and clear blue skies for the weekend, with that comes the risk of health conditions like heat exhaustion.  The warm weather can also exacerbate problems for people with things like asthma.

Heat exhaustion is not serious and usually gets better when you cool down. If it turns into heat stroke it needs to be treated as an emergency.

Signs of heat exhaustion include:
• headache
• dizziness and confusion
• loss of appetite and feeling sick
• excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin
• cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
• fast breathing or pulse
• temperature of 38C or above
• intense thirst

Debbie Fagan, chief nurse for NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: “The Air Show is such a fantastic event and this year’s blue skies are guaranteed to make the views even clearer.

“However it’s not just the planes that’ll be soaring high, so is the temperature, so if we’re out in the sun this weekend we need to be aware of heat exhaustions.

“It isn’t actually that serious, and getting into a cool, shaded place, lying down with your feet raised, and drinking plenty of water should help to ease those symptoms.

“If after half-an-hour you’re not feeling better, then you should call 999 as you may be showing signs of heat stroke which can be a lot more serious.”

It’s important that people with asthma have their blue reliever inhaler with them at all times, especially in warm weather as it can be a trigger for the condition.

Debbie Fagan added: “We’re not too sure why heat triggers asthma, but we know that it can.

“If you’ve got a blue inhaler, make sure you’ve got it with you at all times and you’re keeping it cool because if it gets hot, it won’t work as well.  So, avoid leaving it in a car glovebox or on a windowsill.

“Also, don’t forget to use your preventer inhaler if you’ve been prescribed one.”

To keep cool in the hot weather:
• drink plenty of cold drinks, especially when exercising
• take cool baths or showers
• wear light-coloured, loose clothing
• sprinkle water over skin or clothes
• avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm
• avoid excess alcohol
• avoid extreme exercise

Local pharmacists and the free NHS 111 phone service will be able of offer more advice on health concerns as the warm weather continues.

You can also visit NHS Choices – https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather/