Informational only — Not medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider.

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Heatstroke and heat illness

Heatstroke and heat illness

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0 medicines 15 symptoms

Heatstroke and other heat illnesses happen in hot conditions, whether indoors or outdoors, often from staying active in a place that's too hot.

Heat illness ranges from mild to severe, with heat exhaustion and heatstroke being the most serious forms.

Heat exhaustion can usually be treated with first aid. But if the body doesn't cool down in time, it can turn into heatstroke, a condition that can be life threatening.

Common Symptoms

Confusion Headache Weakness muscle cramps tiredness faint or being sick heavy sweating very thirsty heat rash high body temperature or fever – usually more than 40 degrees celsius fainting or losing consciousness seizure or fit lack of coordination skin that’s cold to the touch, even with a high body temperature
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Emergency Warning Signs

Phone 999 or go to the nearest hospital's A&E right away if you or someone with you:

  • shows signs of heatstroke, or
  • still doesn't feel right even after 30 minutes of resting somewhere cool, cooling down the body, and drinking fluids

⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.

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Medicines Commonly Used

⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.

No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.

When to See a Doctor

Phone 999 or go to the nearest hospital's A&E right away if you or someone with you:

  • shows signs of heatstroke, or
  • still doesn't feel right even after 30 minutes of resting somewhere cool, cooling down the body, and drinking fluids

Causes

What causes heat illness?

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke can happen when the body is exposed to high temperatures for too long. This can happen, for example, when someone exercises in a hot place or spends a long time outside under the sun.

Who is most at risk of heat illness?

Anyone can be affected during hot weather, but some people face a higher risk of becoming unwell. This includes:

  • elderly people
  • infants
  • young children
  • people with long-term health conditions such as diabetes or heart problems

Treatment

Laura's story will give you an idea of what heat exhaustion feels like and what to do if you notice someone struggling in the heat.

Treatment for heat illness

If someone shows signs of heatstroke, follow the first aid advice given earlier. To treat heatstroke, healthcare professionals will work to cool the body down, and they may also give fluids through a vein.

How long does heat illness last?

How long it lasts differs from person to person. Heat exhaustion usually improves within 30 to 60 minutes of cooling down, though you may still feel unwell or tired for up to 24 hours afterward. Your symptoms should not get worse during this time. If it is heatstroke, treatment will happen in hospital, and full recovery can take a few days.

Prevention

There are simple steps that can help you stay cool and safe in hot weather.

Do

  • Drink plenty of cool fluids to stay hydrated. Do not wait until you feel thirsty.
  • Eat cold foods with a high water content, such as salads and fruit.
  • Take a cool shower, bath, or wash.
  • Sprinkle cool water over your skin or clothing.
  • Keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck.
  • Be careful with alcohol, as it can leave you dehydrated.
  • Keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun.
  • Plan activities like walking the dog for cooler times of the day, such as morning or evening.
  • Cover up with a long sleeved shirt when the sun is at its strongest, between 11am and 3pm.
  • Stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day.
  • Wear a hat with a brim or flap that protects the ears and neck.
  • Wear loose fitting clothing when it is warm.

Don't

  • Do not do tiring physical activity, like running, in very hot or humid weather.

Learn more about how to stay safe in hot weather.

Complications

If someone loses consciousness while you're waiting for help, put them in the recovery position.

How to cool down

If someone shows symptoms of heat illness, they need to be cooled down as soon as possible.

To cool down, you should:

  • Move to a cooler place, like a shaded room indoors.
  • Remove any unnecessary clothing or accessories, including jackets and socks.
  • Drink fluids like water or a rehydration drink. Foods with a high water content like an ice lolly can help. Salty foods can also help replace the salt lost through sweating.
  • Apply cool water to exposed skin using a spray or sponge, and fan them quickly.